Parts for your 2005 Toyota Prius-Brake fluid

2005 Toyota Prius brake fluid – what it does and how to look after it

Brake fluid absolutely is used on the 2005 Toyota Prius. Toyota’s 2005 Prius Owner’s Manual (Specifications) calls for SAE J1703/FMVS S116 DOT 3 brake fluid, and the factory Repair Manual for the NHW20 Prius (Brake Control – Electronically Controlled Brake system) includes specific procedures for brake-fluid replacement and system bleeding. While the Prius uses an electronically controlled, brake‑by‑wire setup, it still relies on conventional hydraulic brake fluid to transmit pressure to the callipers and wheel cylinders.

This fluid’s job is simple but critical: it transfers braking force, resists boiling under heat, and protects internal components from corrosion. Because it’s hygroscopic, it gradually absorbs moisture from the air. Over time that lowers its boiling point and can corrode expensive parts like the ABS/ECB actuator and callipers. That’s why, for Australian and New Zealand servicing, a 24‑month or around 40,000 km brake‑fluid change is widely recommended, or sooner if a moisture/boiling‑point test says it’s due. Many workshops test the fluid at service