Yakima OffGrid Rooftop Cargo Basket, Medium The Yakima OffGrid Rooftop Cargo Basket was first announced by Yakima in the summer of 2017. The original release time frame was Fall, notably October, of 2017. This did not happen. In fact, it…
Observed Increase in Fuel Efficiency For the 2012 Prius Follow Up
Here’s a follow up to the original post regarding fuel efficiency improvements after performing major maintenance services. In addition to the following services, DIY: How to Replace the Spark Plugs On a 3rd Gen Prius (2010-2015) DIY: How to Replace…
DIY: How to Change the Engine Oil on Your 3rd Gen Prius
Learn how to change your own motor oil on your 3rd gen Prius. It’s quick and easy and will save you an average of $70-$100 from dealership or the local drive through oil change station.
DIY: How to Perform Tire Rotation on Your Prius, Prius c
The tires on your Prius or Prius c and pretty much any passenger class vehicle should be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to promote even tire thread wear. Do it yourself in 30~45 minutes with basic tools and put that $25~$50 back in your pocket.
Observed Increase in Fuel Efficiency For the 2012 Prius
As the 2012 Prius was approaching its 120k mile milestone, I noticed a dip in fuel efficiency among other issues (cold start rattle, struggling acceleration, rough ride). In its glory days, I was getting and average of mid 50’s MPG…
Repainted OGS Intelligent Position Switch With Custom Logo
I have painted my OGS Intelligent Position Switch to satin black a while back due to fading of the original paint job. I am repainting the OGS switch again, this time color matched to the exterior of the Prius, Winter…
DIY: How to Wash and Clean Your Engine Bay
Has it been a decade since you’ve last cleaned your engine bay? Does it look like the engine bay on my 2012 Prius? I’ve never washed it since it left the lot at Cabe Toyota of Long Beach, CA back…
Pet Project: G’s Taillights With EDM OEM Style Rear Fog Lamp
I had a pair of authentic UKDM Prius G’s taillights with integrated rear fog lamp supplied by LS Japan and ordered through Tenso around late 2013’ish (or 2014? I cannot remember), but never gotten around to install it and ended…
DIY: How to Clean Your 3rd Gen Prius High Voltage (HV) Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan
The hybrid battery cooling fan impeller needs to be cleaned from time to time, and a trip to the dealership can cost you $400. Do it yourself for $0.
DIY: How to Exchange the Engine Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to…
DIY: How to Exchange the Inverter Coolant On Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need two jack stands to support the front end of your car so you can gain access to…
DIY: How to Exchange the Automatic Transmission Fluid WS (World Standard) on Your 3rd Gen Prius
Before you proceed with this maintenance procedure, make sure you have access to a flat and level surface area. You will also need four jack stands to lift your entire car up so that it is level and parallel to…
DIY: How to Replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV) On Your 3rd Gen Prius
If your 3rd gen Prius is approaching or passed the 100,000 mile mark, it’s time to replace the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV valve). If your Prius is consuming noticeable amount of motor oil, say 1 quart every 2,000 ~…
DIY: How to De-haze Your Faded Headlights (Quick Fix)
If your car has plastic headlights and you do any type of constant long distance commute in a year, chances are, your headlights will become hazed and foggy. This occur because the headlights are being blasted against the atmosphere as…
120k Mile Recommended Services For The 3rd Gen Toyota Prius
So I just took my 2012 Prius Four into the local dealer to perform the routine major service (done every 30,000 miles) as it was approaching 120,000 miles and I received a recommended laundry list of pricey maintenance work. Spark…