Toyota Prius Care: Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Tips

1. Change the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Your hybrid may look like something from the future, but underneath, it still packs a traditional engine. This means you’ll need to keep an eye on the oil level and refill it with Toyota genuine motor oil when necessary. Normally, you’ll want to change the oil every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

However, if your car is new, you’re driving in heavy traffic, or you’ve got the habit of flooring the accelerator and slamming the brakes, expect higher oil consumption. In those cases, you may need to top it up sooner than the next scheduled change. And don’t forget to replace the filter whenever you change your oil.

2. Inspect All Fluid Levels

Engine oil isn’t the only fluid running through your hybrid’s veins. There’s also transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, differential fluid, power control unit coolant, and transfer case fluid. Toyota recommends inspecting and adjusting all fluid levels every 5,000 miles or six months.

3. Inspect the HV Battery Cooling Intake Filter

This HV battery cooling intake filter is vital for keeping the hybrid battery at a safe operating temperature. If it gets clogged with dust or debris, airflow is restricted, and the battery may overheat. This can severely reduce the battery’s performance and lifespan. So, give this filter a quick visual check every 5,000 miles. If it looks a bit grimy, clean it up. And at 20,000 miles, a full-on clean is a must.

4. Check the Braking System

Although your hybrid relies on regenerative braking most of the time, the conventional brakes aren’t just along for the ride. They still put in serious work, especially when you need to slow down quickly. A thorough check every 5,000 miles ensures the brake linings/drums and pads/discs are up to the job.

5. Rotate Your Tires

Tires aren’t cheap, so it’s only natural to want them to last as long as possible. The solution? Tire rotation. Every time you come in for an oil change, make sure you get your tires rotated as well.

Keep your vehicle in peak condition with our expert hybrid maintenance service and genuine Toyota parts. Call Woodrum Toyota of Macomb in Macomb, IL, and book your appointment today.

Posted in 2024 Toyota Prius, Hybrid, Toyota Maintenance | No Comments »