The 2010 Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that offers consumers the ability to save money. As with all vehicles, it needs maintenance in order to ensure that it can run smoothly. One of the most common types of maintenance is an oil change. This article will provide you with instructions for changing your car’s oil.
2010 Toyota Prius Oil Change Guide [hide]
2010 Toyota Prius Oil Type
It is important to use the right type of oil for your 2010 Toyota Prius. Today, many people are opting for full synthetic oils because they can go longer between changes and maintain more stable engine temperatures under heavy loads or in hot weather.
VISCOSITY GRADE
Toyota recommends using engine oil “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” of viscosity SAE 5W-20 or SAE 0W-20. However, SAE
0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather.
CAPACITY
The oil capacity with filter is 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) whereas, without filter, the capacity is 4.1 quarts (3.9 liters).
SPECIFICATION OF OIL
The oil that is used with the 2010 Toyota Prius should be as follows:
- API Certified SF/CC or ILSAC GF-66 Oil
- SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil by using a minimum of “Energy Conserving” on the label. The word “energy conserving” means it meets extended drain and fuel economy performance criteria for gasoline engines, and reduced emissions and improved wear protection (Toyota). If you do not use this type of oil you will risk damage to your engine.
Do not use non-API Certified SF/CC or ILSAC GF-66 Oil. These oils are generally for older vehicles and the oil is thicker, which can damage your 2010 Toyota Prius engine seals.
You can use oil from this list of brands to change your engine oil in 2010 Toyota Prius:
- CASTROL
- PENNZOIL
- VALVOLINE
- ROYAL PURPLE
- Mobil 1
Within the last five years, a lot of brands have introduced full synthetic engine oils which can go longer between changes and maintain more stable engine temperatures under heavy loads or in hot weather. They are all suitable for your 2010 Toyota Prius’s 2011 VVT-i Engine.
2010 Toyota Prius Oil Change Intervals
Most oil manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3000 miles, but it is important to check with your specific engine manufacturer. The 2010 Toyota Prius has a recommended oil change interval of every six months or at least 5000 miles. However, many owners follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and wait to do their first oil change until around 12,000-15,000 miles.
Best Oil for 2010 Toyota Prius
Oil is a key component of your 2010 Toyota Prius engine. If you do not have an oil that works for the car, then it may lead to damage or even worse – failure. However, if you select the correct type and viscosity for your vehicle’s model year, you can help avoid many problems with both performance and life expectancy.
Oil (By Manufacturer) – Toyota recommends using “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” SAE 5W-20 or SAE 0W-20.
Oil (Our Choice) – Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil. The miles you put on your hardworking engine come with wear that can eventually lead to engine failure without proper protection. That’s why you need Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic. Demanding weather conditions are no match for Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic. Everything has been engineered, tested, and proven to give the advanced machinery in your engine the crucial protection it requires.
Oil Filter (By Manufacturer) – Toyota recommends using ONLY an OEM filter for this model year and all future years that it is produced. However, you can use a different oil filter if it is made by the same manufacturer. The best option for this vehicle would be an oil filter from WIX.
How to Change Oil By Yourself – Step by Step
The 2010 Toyota Prius Oil Change process is a little more involved than in most gasoline engines. This article covers the basics and some of the issues to be aware of when changing your own oil in your Hybrid car.
Tools you need:
- 14 mm wrench
- pick tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- 27 mm socket
- 3/8″ ratchet
- oil filter wrench
- funnel
STEP 1: PREP
To begin your oil change open the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Raised the car by driving onto ramps using a jack and jack stands or using a car lift.
STEP 2: REMOVE THE COVER
To remove the cover to the engine oil drain plug, you first need to remove some screws.
To do so, use your screwdriver and unscrew all of them on top of the cover. After removing these screws, pull off this piece of plastic from your car by pulling it upwards with a slight amount of force.
Now that is removed, move down towards another small metal strip which also has several more screws holding it in place. You will have to undo those as well before being able to finally take out this additional layer covering up the actual engine oil filter cap underneath where you can now access its contents during an oil change for 2010 Toyota Prius cars.
Move your drain pan into position and remove the oil pan drain plug using a wrench.
STEP 3: DRAINING THE OIL
Now it is time to drain the oil from the car. The best way to do this is by getting under your 2010 Toyota Prius and locating where exactly you will need to place a container underneath in order for all of the oil to pour out into that container.
Usually, there are two locations on either side of your vehicle where you can put containers; however, we recommend using both sides as well as putting one end of a long hose connected with another bucket or large pot at times so that no matter which location you choose, whether front or back left-hand corner – all excess oil makes its way down without any trouble.
STEP 4: REPLACE THE OIL FILTER
Remove the oil filter cap. Replace the oil filter cap O ring and apply a bead of oil to ensure that it does not bind when reinstalling the housing.
Insert a new oil filter cartridge and reinstall the oil filter housing.
STEP 5: PUT BACK THE DRAIN PLUG
Put back the drain plug with a new gasket. Hand tighten it and then use an adjustable wrench to turn clockwise until you feel resistance.
Tighten it another half-turn or so beyond that point. You don’t want to overtighten!
STEP 6: ADD THE NEW OIL
Lower the vehicle and add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of oil.
Then start the engine letting it run for a few seconds.
Check the oil level again and top it off if needed.
Removed the funnel.
Reinstall the oil filter cap and reset the oil change light on the vehicle dashboard.
You have just performed a relatively easy maintenance task with great results.
