2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN suspension

76 1-7. Safety information
CAUTION
nSRS airbag precautions
lVehicles with curtain shield airbags : If the areas where the SRS airbags
are stored, such as the steering w heel pad and front and rear pillar gar-
nishes, are damaged or cracked, have them replaced by your Toyota
dealer.
l Vehicles without curtain shield airbags: If the areas where the SRS airbags
are stored, such as the steering wheel pad are damaged or cracked, have
them replaced by your Toyota dealer.
n Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
l Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.
l Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rail.
l Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
l Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.).
l Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system.
l Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD
players.
l Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability.

105
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
n
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
lIt may be difficult to control your vehicle.
l The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
l The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( →P. 306)
n When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
lEngine stalling
l Short in electrical components
l Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
l Brake function
l Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transaxle fluid, etc.
l Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

136 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
nThe ABS does not operate effectively when
lTires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
l The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
n 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 safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
l When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
l When driving with tire chains
l When driving over bumps in the road
l When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
n Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
n Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

147
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Towing a trailer
Consult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
n Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
lEnsure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 336)
l Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
l All trailer lights work to be legal.
l Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
l 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.
l Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
l Check that your rear view mirrors c onform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
n Break-in schedule
lToyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new power train components (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
driving.
n Maintenance
lIf 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”.)
l Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km).

5
When trouble arises
289
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
n Visible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
l Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
l High engine coolant temperatur e warning light flashes or
comes on
l Low engine coolant temperature indicator comes on or does
not come on continuously
n Audible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
l Excessive tire squeal when cornering
l Strange noises related to the suspension system
l Pinging or other noises related to the engine
n Operational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
l Appreciable loss of power
l Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
l Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
l Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor