2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER tires

274 2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.

275
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
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 rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

277
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Selection tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chainsRegulations regarding the use of ti re chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k local regulations before installing
chains.
CTH25AS009
■ Tire 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 rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
front tires.
● Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 1/4  1/2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

278 2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire 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.

279
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
NOTICE
■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
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.

289
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■
Service connector for towing brake controller
■ Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● The 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.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.
CTH25AS008

292 2-5. Driving information
4RUNNER_U
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.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■ 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 trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

Maintenance and care4
477
4RUNNER_U
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 478
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 481
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 484
General maintenance....... 486
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ........................ 490
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 491
Hood ................................ 494
Engine compartment ........ 495
Tires ................................. 514
Tire inflation pressure ...... 520
Wheels ............................. 524
Air conditioning filter......... 526
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ..... 528
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 531
Light bulbs........................ 541