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I just added cruise control to my 2014 Icon Hybrid - cost me all of £16.99 for the switch and about 5 minutes of my time! This has made me wonder if there are any other upgrades it is possible to do via DIY means? I'd love to be able to add keyless entry, for example. Is that feasible, or can this only be done during the original car build? Does anyone know? TIA

I found this article, which may be of interest! http://prius.ecrostech.com/original/Owning/Undriven.htm

Toyota are now able to supply upgrade bulbs in HIR2 fitment - Toyota Optiwhite bulbs: see Part number T90981-YZZDN. UK cost approx £48.77 including VAT for a pair. Available to order from Parts King (send pm and include your model details - reg.no as a minimum) or from your Toyota dealer.

No bother iv the same set here thank you for the reply 👍

I kept it out of the POWER band for the first 100 miles, and max speed of 50 MPH for the first 1000 miles. You should never give wide-open throttle to any engine that is cold, so give it 10-15 minutes to warm up first. It's argued modern engineering doesn't require running in, but I don't agree. How you look after parts when they're new ("bedding in"), and when they're cold, dictates longevity. A study done many years ago by Pratt and Whitney, found more harm is done to an engine when it is cold, than in the whole of the rest of its life. I'm intrigued what effect start/stop has on engine life. When they're in use, the car runs to maintain a minimum temperature, but I can't establish whether it harms the engine more going through start/stop cycles vs. continuous running. One advantage to the hybrids are how they start - it appears the valves are open (no compression) while the engine is spun-up to starting RPM, then the valves are closed and fuel injected to start it, so it's not turning the engine against compression, and avoids the typical resonant vibration you feel when starting conventional cars.

Yes the piston need to be wound back and you can use a suitable hand tool. But beware, the left hand side uses a reverse thread! I have this kit, and similar was used when my rear brake pads were changed. You can also use the following - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISC-BRAKE-CALIPER-PISTON-REWIND-WIND-BACK-CUBE-TOOL-3-8-SQ-DR/201312730622?epid=1859991853&hash=item2edf2c7dfe:g:QF8AAOSwstxVDH8H I have the earlier EPB without the auto engage function, but the later system has a service mode.

I, too, would prefer to try to have them matching the discs, so silver. Failing that, gunmetal grey or perhaps black if you want them to stand out.

Well cheers for that, the job is done (and only one piece leftover too ) I managed to borrow the exact same trim removal kit from a colleague at work For anyone else attempting this, the following video might help as an additional reference too:

I did get it cheap for £2000 and heading towards 89,000 miles. I did some valet to it, has a few scratch marks but looks good a metre way, it is only after a few weeks you start to notice these scratches. Just topping up the oil made it quieter, but I will do a oil change next year. I think the next steps will be to check the tyre tread, tyre pressure, than look under the car with a metal brush and autosol etc.