2009 TOYOTA RAV4 maintenance schedule

197
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect brak-
ing efficiency and may damage brake system components.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

212 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
■ Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 475)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

338
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repair to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or
if a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.
To ensure safe and economical driv ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance is essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Toyota recommen ds the following maintenance.
■General maintenance
General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis.
This can be done by yourself or by a Toyota dealer.
■ Scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified inter-
vals according to the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
■Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect war-
ranty coverage.
The use of Toyota Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner’s
Warranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

340
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Maintenance-free. ( P. 363)
Brake fluid At the correct level? ( P. 361)
Engine coolant At the correct level? ( P. 360)
Engine oil At the correct level? ( P. 355)
Exhaust system No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses Not blocked with foreign matter?
(
P. 361)
Washer fluid At the correct level? ( P. 367)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supp lement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

342 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after park-
ing?
Tires • Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-
aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

383
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement
may be required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
■ If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace it if necessary.
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the
system.
■ Replacement method
Remove the air conditioning
filter and replace it with a new
one.
The“  UP” marks shown on the
filter should be pointing up.