oil change
Many other soldiers have fought this battle so perhaps now it's my turn.
For the current model US Prius, reccomended oil change intervals (OCI) are 5000 miles. To get there in 75 hrs would require an average speed of 113 mph. My, that's fast.
For the previous model (such as mine), the OCI was 7500 miles. In some other markets, the Prius OCI is longer.
I have no objection to you or others changing engine oil more frequently, except that it has to go *somewhere*. Limiting the total environmental impact is part of the whole Prius picture. RM, would you not agree?
I and other Prius drivers have paid for used oil analyses, some from 5000 mile OCI, some from longer. Some synthetic oils, some conventional. In no cases that I have seen (and I observe this matter rather closely) has there been engine oil degradation in terms of accumulated metals worn from the engine, other particles, or increases in oil viscosity. Indeed, all evidence points to the fact that Prius is quite gentle on its engine oil, compared to other vehicles. By the way, I have not heard of loss of Prius engine oil from leaks, burning, or any other earthly mechanism.
I would be very happy to post such oil analysis data here. Mostly for the benefit of *Prius drivers* who wish to understand their vehicles better, and to make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance.
DAS