2011 TOYOTA AVENSIS brake

345 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or “R” (manual transmission) without
setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

355 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden
braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer, and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.

356 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Transmission information
Multidrive or automatic transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “D”. Select an appropriate
gear in “M” mode.
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “6”.
If the engine overheats...
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 710)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to
“P” for Multidrive or automatic transmission, and “1” or “R” for man-
ual transmission.

357 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

526 4-2. Maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury
or death.
Warning in handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (P. 545)
Used engine oil
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect
your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

529 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

530 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 545)
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
Be sure the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position.
With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant
temperature is high. (P. 545)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

534 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or seri-
ous injury.
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions of the manual provided with
the jack.
Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported
only by the floor jack.
Always use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, level
surface.
Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put
the shift lever in “P” (Multidrive or automatic transmission) or “R” (manual
transmission).
Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage
the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath
the floor jack.
Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.