How to Check Prius Fluid Levels
Regularly reading the fluid levels in the engine compartment of your Prius is a quick and easy way to check up on the health of your vehicle. The fluid reservoirs are accessible and the levels easy to interpret. The one fluid level you can't check yourself is the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid needs to be checked by a trained mechanic, but the fluid should be good for 100,000 miles, so it doesn't need to be checked as often as those in the engine compartment.
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Instructions
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Check the engine oil level. Park the vehicle on level ground and wait at least five minutes to allow the oil to settle. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Push the dipstick back in completely, then remove it. If you don't push the dipstick all the way back in, the reading will not be accurate. Remove the dip stick. The oil level should be between the two dots on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the dot closest to the tip, then there is not enough oil. If it is above the dot higher up the dipstick then there is too much.
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Check the engine coolant level. The engine coolant reservoir is a see-through container with "FULL" and "LOW" lines embossed on it. The fluid level should be between those two lines. The location of the reservoir is dependent on the model and year. For the 2010 model, the reservoir is on the passenger side. For the 2005 model it is located at the front and the level is most easily viewed from the passenger side. Allow the engine to cool off before taking a reading to ensure that the coolant level is accurate.
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Check the brake fluid level. You can also see through the brake fluid reservoir, with "MAX" and "MIN" lines embossed on it, and the fluid level should be between those two lines. The location of the reservoir is model-year dependent. For the 2010 model the reservoir is tucked back almost under the windshield on the driver side, just behind the power control unit coolant reservoir. For the 2005 model it is the small reservoir on the passenger side next to the larger windshield wiper fluid reservoir.
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Check the power control unit (inverter) coolant level. The power control unit coolant reservoir is see-through. For the 2010 model the reservoir is on the driver side just in front of the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above the "L" line and below the "F" line. For the 2005 model the reservoir is in the middle of the engine compartment and the fluid level should be above the "LOW" arrow (embossed on the front of the reservoir), and the "FULL" arrow (embossed on the side).
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Check the windshield washer fluid level. For the 2005 model the windshield washer fluid reservoir is the large, see-through one furthest to the passenger side. It has no markings to indicate the appropriate level. For the 2010 model the reservoir is on the passenger side close to the front of the car. It is not easily visible. You check the level by opening the lid and pulling out the level gauge. Similar to an oil dipstick, the gauge is marked with "NORMAL" and "LOW" and the fluid should be between those two levels.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to allow the engine to cool off before checking any of the fluid levels, both to ensure accurate readings and for your safety. Be sure the hood is securely propped open before checking fluid levels.
