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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
n
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.
lParking brake engaged warning buzzer ( →P. 293) 
     
        
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2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
n
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.
n 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
nTo prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not run-
ning. 
     
        
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2-4. Using other 
driving systems
2
When driving
nCruise control can be set when
lThe shift lever is in D or 3 (vehicles with an automatic transmission).
l Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
n Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
n Adjusting the speed setting
Increase speed
Decrease speed
Hold the lever until the desired
speed setting is obtained.
Fine adjustment of the set
speed (approximately 1.0 mph
[1.6 km/h]) can be made by
lightly pushing the lever up or
down and releasing it.
nCanceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied or the clutch
depressed (manual transmis-
sion).
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push
the lever up. 
     
        
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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
nSounds and vibrations caused by the ABS
lA 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.
l 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.
n EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a  motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. 
This does not indicate a malfunction.
n 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.
nABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
nEPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel. 
     
        
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
nThings that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.
lReceptacles containing gasoline
lAerosol cans
nStorage precautions
lDo not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray
• Instrument panel
• Dashboard
• Auxiliary box or tray that has no lid
lSecure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during an accident or sudden braking.
lNever allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the even
t of sudden braking or a collision.
nCapacity and distribution
lDo not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
lEven if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do no t apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of st eering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury. 
     
        
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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.
n Pre-winter preparations
lUse fluids that are  appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
l Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
l 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.
nBefore driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
lDo 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.
l 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.
l Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
l 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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142 2-5. Driving information
Regulations on the use of snow chainsl 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.
l 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.
l Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
nSnow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
lInstall and remove tire chains in a safe location.
l Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
rear tires.
l Install the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible.
l Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
l If wheel ornaments are used, they will be scratched by the chain band,
so remove the ornaments before putting on the chains. ( →P. 306)
nWhen driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
n 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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149
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your 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.
l Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
l 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
n 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.
n Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes  that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
n 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.
n Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction.