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127
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Set the parking brake
Fully set the parking brake
while depressing the brake
pedal.
At this time, the indicator will
come on.
■Release the parking brake
Slightly raise the lever
Press the button
Lower it completely
Except
CanadaCanada
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128 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
●Parking brake engaged warning buzzer ( P. 300)
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140 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and the
parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at
night.
■ Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the key is removed and the driver's door is opened
while the lights are turned on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.
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145
2
When driving
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in this system.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
To help enhance driving safety a nd 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) (if equipped)
The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically help prevent
lock-up of the wheels during a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
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151
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window, scrape an outside rear
view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mir-
ror 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.
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152 2-5. Driving information
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of
radial cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the front tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for
installation instructions.
● Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or to 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the
parking brake. The parking brak e may freeze up, preventing it
from being released.
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160 2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tipsYour vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three
main causes of vehicle-trailer ac cidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
NOTICE
■ When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■ Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
■ Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction.
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161
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (Thi s is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Vehicles with a manual
transmission, prevent excessive cl utch slippage by keeping engine
rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.
● Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.