[Redpoint5]

I would say 75% of these actually breach at about the 50k mile Mark anyway so just replace it . Only doing the seals is like brushing your teeth and saving your last rear molar for the next day.

Most breach at only 50k miles! Is that due to incorrect torqueing? In other words, if I use proper torque specs changing my own oil I shouldn't have this failure?

I'm guessing there is the normal telltale sign of water in the oil by observing milky substance on the oil cap?

 

[Redpoint5]

Out of paranoia, I put tape on all my fluid reservoirs to mark current levels. I’ll check every time I fuel up, which will be infrequently.

I did find 1 reservoir at the minimum level, or slightly below.

 

[Redpoint5]

I've made a mess on 100% of my oil changes in previous vehicles. I won't have experience changing the oil on the Pacifica for another year. The Prius has a horizontally mounted filter located above a drive axle, which is hard to access in the first place. There's no way to remove it without oil everywhere. I manage to make a mess with the Acura TSX as well, but not quite as bad as the Prius.

None of those vehicles require careful attention to torque specs to avoid catastrophic engine failure. I hand tighten the filters, and hand remove them. I never replace drain plug crush washers. Never any issue whatsoever with anything related to oil changes.