2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER four wheel drive

207
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels (2WD models) or
four wheels (4WD models) from sp inning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control
→ P. 212
■Downhill assist control system (4WD models only)
→ P. 213
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

212
2-4. Using other driving systems
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
■ Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stop light turn on.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
●Hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on extremely steep
inclines or roads covered in ice.
● Do not use hill-start assist control to stop or park the vehicle on an incline.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on incline or slippery slope.
If the vehicle is in danger of
slipping, rolling backwards
when starting on an incline, or
the front wheels (2WD mod-
els) or four wheels (4WD mod-
els) spin, the indicator flashes
to indicate that the hill-start
assist control system have
been engaged.

224
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Observe the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.