Toyota Corolla H4 Automatic EDIT: Now at 8+ years/78,000 kms

bhp1 · 7th May 2009, 17:27

Buy brake pads from outside, they are available for ~ 1500/-

vasudeva · 9th May 2009, 09:27

It seems that the brake discs are also worn a bit and may need skimming (the Toyota pick up driver said scanning). I know brake pads cost~Rs. 6K. What about brake discs (all 4). He said 2 pairs are cheap.

ImmortalZ · 10th May 2009, 07:53

Honda Civic brake discs are around 6K a pair. Skim them and use them. You have nothing to fear as long as the minimum thickness is maintained.

vasudeva · 10th May 2009, 18:10

Finally got all the four brake pads changed at around Rs. 6K and 2 rear discs at Rs. 4.5K. Around means all taxes which I am too lazy to calculate and post the exact cost in Rs.

vasudeva · 25th May 2009, 12:10

I have a small query regarding service intervals. Corolla has a recommended interval of 1 yr/10000 km. That was fine when I used to drive around 18K per annum. However, now I drive at an average of around 7K per annum. Thus, following a 1 yr interval would mean 3K still to go. Should I follow 1 yr (regardless of mileage in that period, which would most probably be 7-8K) or 10000 km (even if it means a service interval of 15-16 mths).

trrk · 25th May 2009, 12:53

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasudeva

Should I follow 1 yr (regardless of mileage in that period, which would most probably be 7-8K) or 10000 km (even if it means a service interval of 15-16 mths).

It is usually whichever is earlier. If in warranty, you have to stick to that.

vasudeva · 25th May 2009, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by trrk

Hi,

It is usually whichever is earlier. If in warranty, you have to stick to that.

Purchased the car in 3/2007 and so warranty expires in 3/2010. Last service done in 5/2009. So next service is 5/2010 (if going by 1 year) or 9/2010 (if going by 10K interval and based on my present driving). In either case, warranty would have expired. So what to do???

MAS · 25th May 2009, 14:26

Hi Vasudeva,

Just spoke to the service advisor in Lanson Toyota. He said that it is compulsory to service the car once a year or every 10,000 kms, whichever is earlier. According to him, the viscosity of the oil goes up and has to be changed.

This is a wake up call for me, as i had serviced my Corolla (H4 Auto) in March 2008 and the car has run only 4000 kms since the service.

Booked for service for tomorrow @ 8 am.

vasudeva · 25th May 2009, 14:42

Thanks everyone. It seems 12-13 months will work for me.

trrk · 25th May 2009, 18:26

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasudeva

In either case, warranty would have expired. So what to do???

Your problem is minimised. You are on your own if warranty is not a factor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasudeva

Thanks everyone. It seems 12-13 months will work for me.

Contrary to popular thoughts here, I like ot conserve precious resources and allow them to be used to their fullest. So finish your 10000kms befoer you take it for that oil change. The oil iin a petrol engine has less degradation.

You can (and should) keep an eye on the level and nature of the oil in between as I do in my Marina (I have shifted from the required 7500 to 10000 oil change interval).

The City anyway requires a change every 5000kms.

ScorpMan · 11th June 2009, 17:08

Hey Vasudeva. Just'd a query! How much air pressure do you keep in your Corolla's tires for a comfortable ride? Yesterday got it done from a Petrol Pump to 30 in all four, as recommended. But the suspension became too thrashy and every bump on the road was noticable, so reduced it to 25 and things seem to be much more comfortable. Are these petrol pump monitors not good enough? Have been getting it done on my other cars for years, and everything is fine. So what is different with Corolla?

FlyingSpur · 11th June 2009, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScorpMan

Hey Vasudeva. Just'd a query! How much air pressure do you keep in your Corolla's tires for a comfortable ride? Yesterday got it done from a Petrol Pump to 30 in all four, as recommended. But the suspension became too thrashy and every bump on the road was noticable, so reduced it to 25 and things seem to be much more comfortable. Are these petrol pump monitors not good enough? Have been getting it done on my other cars for years, and everything is fine. So what is different with Corolla?

25 is too drastic a drop !! I wouldn't suggest going below 28 at the minimum, my '05 Corolla rides at that pressure or higher but never below.

ScorpMan · 12th June 2009, 16:11

Thanx Spur. Increased it to 27 and it feels just perfect at that level.

vasudeva · 20th June 2009, 12:19

I get the tyre pressure to 30 as recommended, and get it checked every 3-4 weeks (mostly). In fact, I think that substantially higher than that (not substantially lower) makes for a more bumpy ride. At 30 and roundabout, it glides over most surfaces.

Another point that may save you money: go with regular fuel (my service advisor says there is no need for premium fuel which now costs +Rs. 2/litre) if you are not already doing so. Also I get fuel from an IOC company owned fuel station. Previously it was once a week, regardless of mileage (which anyway used to be 250-440 k/week), but now every 2-3 weeks (mileage dropped to 120-180/week). When fuel empty light comes on, I have calculated from numerous refills that the car has used up 36-38 litre, so a safe estimate is 10-12 litres remaining.

akj53 · 20th June 2009, 13:11

No two petrol pump air pressure meters will give same reading. It is best to use either only one pump or buy your own air pressure meter. I want to buy one. Can anybody suggest which are the good brands available.

I used to fill up my Matiz always with premium fuels, but for Toyota I am using only regular fuel. I always get the tank filled up as it saves me repeated trips to pump.

7th May 2009, 17:27	#136
bhp1 BANNED Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NA Posts: 513 Thanked: 4 Times	Buy brake pads from outside, they are available for ~ 1500/-
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 09:27	#137
vasudeva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,221 Thanked: 212 Times	It seems that the brake discs are also worn a bit and may need skimming (the Toyota pick up driver said scanning). I know brake pads cost~Rs. 6K. What about brake discs (all 4). He said 2 pairs are cheap.
	() Thanks

10th May 2009, 07:53	#138
ImmortalZ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,179 Thanked: 488 Times View My Garage	Honda Civic brake discs are around 6K a pair. Skim them and use them. You have nothing to fear as long as the minimum thickness is maintained.
	() Thanks

10th May 2009, 18:10	#139
vasudeva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,221 Thanked: 212 Times	Finally got all the four brake pads changed at around Rs. 6K and 2 rear discs at Rs. 4.5K. Around means all taxes which I am too lazy to calculate and post the exact cost in Rs.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:10	#140
vasudeva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,221 Thanked: 212 Times	I have a small query regarding service intervals. Corolla has a recommended interval of 1 yr/10000 km. That was fine when I used to drive around 18K per annum. However, now I drive at an average of around 7K per annum. Thus, following a 1 yr interval would mean 3K still to go. Should I follow 1 yr (regardless of mileage in that period, which would most probably be 7-8K) or 10000 km (even if it means a service interval of 15-16 mths).
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 14:26	#143
MAS Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,940 Thanked: 1,615 Times	Servicing once a year is Complusory Hi Vasudeva, Just spoke to the service advisor in Lanson Toyota. He said that it is compulsory to service the car once a year or every 10,000 kms, whichever is earlier. According to him, the viscosity of the oil goes up and has to be changed. This is a wake up call for me, as i had serviced my Corolla (H4 Auto) in March 2008 and the car has run only 4000 kms since the service. Booked for service for tomorrow @ 8 am.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 14:42	#144
vasudeva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,221 Thanked: 212 Times	Thanks everyone. It seems 12-13 months will work for me.
	() Thanks

11th June 2009, 17:08	#146
ScorpMan BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: DL/PB/HR Posts: 366 Thanked: 132 Times	Hey Vasudeva. Just'd a query! How much air pressure do you keep in your Corolla's tires for a comfortable ride? Yesterday got it done from a Petrol Pump to 30 in all four, as recommended. But the suspension became too thrashy and every bump on the road was noticable, so reduced it to 25 and things seem to be much more comfortable. Are these petrol pump monitors not good enough? Have been getting it done on my other cars for years, and everything is fine. So what is different with Corolla?
	() Thanks

12th June 2009, 16:11	#148
ScorpMan BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: DL/PB/HR Posts: 366 Thanked: 132 Times	Thanx Spur. Increased it to 27 and it feels just perfect at that level.
	() Thanks

20th June 2009, 12:19	#149
vasudeva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,221 Thanked: 212 Times	I get the tyre pressure to 30 as recommended, and get it checked every 3-4 weeks (mostly). In fact, I think that substantially higher than that (not substantially lower) makes for a more bumpy ride. At 30 and roundabout, it glides over most surfaces. Another point that may save you money: go with regular fuel (my service advisor says there is no need for premium fuel which now costs +Rs. 2/litre) if you are not already doing so. Also I get fuel from an IOC company owned fuel station. Previously it was once a week, regardless of mileage (which anyway used to be 250-440 k/week), but now every 2-3 weeks (mileage dropped to 120-180/week). When fuel empty light comes on, I have calculated from numerous refills that the car has used up 36-38 litre, so a safe estimate is 10-12 litres remaining. Last edited by vasudeva : 20th June 2009 at 12:27.
	() Thanks

20th June 2009, 13:11	#150
akj53 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NOIDA, Manchester & Cardiff Posts: 585 Thanked: 92 Times	No two petrol pump air pressure meters will give same reading. It is best to use either only one pump or buy your own air pressure meter. I want to buy one. Can anybody suggest which are the good brands available. I used to fill up my Matiz always with premium fuels, but for Toyota I am using only regular fuel. I always get the tank filled up as it saves me repeated trips to pump.
	() Thanks