2009 TOYOTA AVALON snow chains

175
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■Sounds and vibrati ons caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● 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 any of these systems.
● 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.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
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.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Selecting snow chains
Use the correct snow chain size when mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:0.12 in. (3.0 mm)
1.18 in. (30.0 mm)
0.39 in. (10.0 mm)
Cross chain: 0.16 in. (4.0 mm)
0.98 in. (25.0 mm)
0.55 in. (14.0 mm)
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.
● Install the chains on the front tires.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires only.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
■
Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

5
When trouble arises
393
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passenger is not
sitting in the seat.
■
If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition be comes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition be comes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal
reception.
●If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is
put in the trunk.

464 Alphabetical index
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Spare tireInflation pressure...................428
Spare tire............................... 397
Spark plug ................................426
Specifications...........................422
Speedometer ............................ 141
Steering wheel Adjustment .............................. 64
Audio switches ......................231
Climate switches ...................198
Steering wheel memory .......... 51
Storage compartment ..............274
Storage feature.........................269
Stuck If your vehicle becomes
stuck ...................................419
Sun visors.................................277
Switch Emergency flasher switch ..... 376
Engine switch ................127, 131
Fog light switch ..................... 152
Hazard light switch ................376
Ignition switch................127, 131
Light switches........................ 149
Power door lock switch ...........39
Power window switch ..............69
Window lock switch ................. 69
Wipers and washer switch ....153
Tail lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 370
Switch.................................... 149
Wattage .................................429
Theft deterrent system Alarm .......................................80
Engine immobilizer system .....78
Theft prevention labels..............82
Tire inflation pressure ............. 428
Tire information Glossary ................................438
Size ....................................... 435 Tire identification number...... 434
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading ............................... 436
Tires Chains ................................... 183
Checking ............................... 336
If you have a flat tire.............. 397
Inflation pressure .................. 428
Information ............................ 433
Replacing .............................. 397
Rotating tires ......................... 336
Size ....................................... 428
Snow tires ............................. 184
Tire pressure warning system ........................ 337, 388
Tools ......................................... 397
Total load capacity .................. 180
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 187
Trailer towing ........................ 186
TRAC ......................................... 174
Trip information ....................... 148
Trunk Extending a space ................ 291
Opener .................................... 44
Wattage................................. 429
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 369
Switch ................................... 138
Wattage................................. 429
Valet key ..................................... 22
Vanity lights Vanity lights........................... 278
Wattage................................. 429
Vanity mirrors .......................... 278
Vehicle identification
number ................................... 423
Vehicle load limits ................... 180
VSC ........................................... 174
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