Toyota Aqua New User Queries

[wajeeh93]

Hi,

So I have recently upgraded from Toyota Passo to Toyota Aqua. The experience so far has been tremendous. However, there are a couple of queries that I'd like to be answered please.

First of all, does the Toyota Aqua require tuning? Should I change the iridium spark plugs and have the catalytic converter cleaned and have it thoroughly tuned? I have 75000 mileage on my meter. Should I go for it?

When the car accelerates and moves from EV mode to ECO mode, the engine noise goes a little higher for a couple of seconds. Is it normal?

Upon hard brake at around 60 70 kmh, I feel the car skits a little. Is it okay too or should I have the brake pads or tyres checked?

Would you recommend to go for wheel balancing as well?

While it is a Hybrid, a Toyota Aqua is not supposed to be Lexus quality quiet right? A little bit of engine noise on NON-EV mode is normal I suppose?

I'm a total newbie here so please don't judge and I'd really appreciate if someone can help with the answers of the above queries. Thanks a lot

[umarmuslim]

The noise is normal

Infact Aqua is the noisest among the Prius Family.

[wajeeh93]

Thank you @umarmuslim.. that's a relief.. and any info about the rest of the queries?

[umarmuslim]

CAT will need cleaning after its had its share of Pakistani Fuel
&
If it has the factory plugs

i wud change them for sure

No matter what the manual says
Plugs dont last more than 65K even in Japan

Ive seen too many cars with this case, and cant believe otherwise.

U also need to check gear oil.

[wajeeh93]

Alright great so I'll change the spark plugs.

And how would I know if gear oil needs changing? How do we check that? And any recommendations for gear oil for Toyota Aqua? @umarmuslim

[umarmuslim]

u can refer to Aqua main thread or Prius thread.

All details r there.

Oil when Blackish needs replacement.

[anon35615524]

First of all, congratulations for the upgrade and purchase!

Regarding engine Tuning, normally following things are covered after specific time intervals:

1. Throttle body inspection / service
2. Inspection, cleaning / replacement of spark plugs
3. Cleaning / replacement of air filter

Usually, when used JDM cars are imported from Japan, they do not require any sort of such things. But when they are driven here for sometime, they require such tuning / maintenance, since quality of fuel is quite bad here. It affects spark plugs, throttle body, catalytic converter, etc.

If your car is working fine, I would not suggest to do any sort of "chaaeer chaar" just right now! Just drive your car for some time, and when you feel drop in pick, power, performance, mileage, etc. go for these things, and then follow the maintenance schedule regularly.

[anon35615524]

Regarding Catalytic Converter cleaning, get it properly cleaned / serviced (I mean, by not using any sort of acid, which mechanics normally use) when you feel that car is driving by giving a "Ghutti Ghutti" feeling.

Regarding spark plugs, I would advise to always use OEM recommended ones only. Do not go for performance plugs, etc.

Regarding brake service, it is normal and you may get it done any time. Have the brakes, brake pads, etc. thoroughly inspected and serviced, and if required, get the brake pads fully replaced. Brakes may be serviced at least for once every ~10,000 Kms.

If wheel balancing / alignment has not been done in recent times, get it done, at least for once, to remove any / all suspicion. Tires must also be rotated in their defined pattern after every ~10,000 Kms.

Regarding transmission fluid change, use the OEM recommended one. I think, Aqua only uses CVT oil. First thoroughly check and inspect the oil, and if it needs replacement, replace it. CVT oil may usually last 60,000-80,000 Kms.

Since, maintenance history from Japan is usually not available with used JDM cars, it's better to opt pro-active approach instead of reactive, as far as normal maintenance is concerned, and to stay on safer side.

[wajeeh93]

Thank you so much @basitali87 for the detailed response. Got it

[pioussoul]

Allah naseeb kray ap ko . Meray pas aqua the or almost 3 saal use krnay k bad sale kr d h . During these three years i haven't allowed any of these ustads to touch it . Serf oil change and filters regularly change krwata tha . Bus fuel ka khyal krna . Or hi octane 30/70 k proportion k sath use krna .

[mwm749]

I hope you have not visited any USTAD.

Everything is normal.

You should only do the following;

Change oil. Use only fully synthetic 0-20 (total)
Change oil filter (Toyota)
Air Filter (Toyota)

Get the tyres replaced if they need to otherwise just get them balanced.

Just enjoy your car and stop worrying.

Check the milage of your car on the auction sheet. Meter can be reversed.