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173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing (Canada)
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle,
thus towing a trailer will have an ad verse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fu el consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others , do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
n Weight limits
Confirm the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
n Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum of weights of the unloaded vehi-
cle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch, and the trailer tongue
load. It also includes the we ight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
n Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribu-
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Certification label
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174 2-5. Driving information
Towing a trailerConsult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
n Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum 70 lb. (32 kg) (Tongue load / Total trailer weight × 100
= 9 to 11%)
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load
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176 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nTo avoid accident or injury
lThe total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not
exceed 700 lb. (318 kg)
l Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
l Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.
n Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating
specified for the trailer hitch.
lIf you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Toyota dealer should be consulted.
l Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
l Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
l Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
l Remove the trailer hitch whenever y ou are not towing a trailer to reduce
the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind.
n When towing a trailer
lNever tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.
l Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
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271
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
nIf the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
nMaximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2
of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAW
R) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.
nTire types
1 Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tire s, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use
year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance
compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the or iginally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restriction. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( →P. 169)
For the GAWR, see the Certification
Label. For the maximum load of the
tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the
sidewall of the tire. (→
P. 370).
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277
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
nTire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire pressure every two weeks, or at least once a
month.
Do not forget to check the spare tire.
nEffects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect ti
re inflation pressure ma y result in the following:
lReduced fuel efficiency
lReduced driving comfort and tire life
lReduced safety
lDamage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
n
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
lCheck only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold
tire inflation pressure reading.
lAlways use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be mi sleading. In addition, tire infla-
tion pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride
and handling.
lDo not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal
for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving.
lNever exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle
is balanced.
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279
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause loss of
handling control.
nWheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter,
rim width, and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using:
lWheels of different sizes or types
l Used wheels
l Bent wheels that have been straightened
n Aluminum wheel precautions (if equipped)
lUse only Toyota wheel nuts and wrench designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
l When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
l Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.
l Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.
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324 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nKey reminder buzzer
The buzzer indicates that the key has not been removed (with the engine
switch in the ACC or LOCK position and the driver’s door opened).
n Light reminder buzzer
The buzzer indicates that the headlight switch is left on (with the key
removed and the driver’s door opened).
n If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
l Is your vehicle low on gas?
If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.
l Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
n Front passenger detect ion sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
If luggage or other load is placed on the front passenger seat, depending on
its weight, the reminder light to flash and buzzer to sound.
n
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
nThe tire pressure warning light ma y turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
nWhen a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will
not turn off even though the flat tire is replaced with the spare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repair ed tire and adjust the proper tire
inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off after a few
minutes.
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5
When trouble arises
331
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Loosen the center fastener that
secures the spare tire.
n Compact spare tire
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage compartment,
and its lighter weight helps to enhance fuel economy and permits
easier installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary emer-
gency use only.
The compact spare tire is identi-
fied by the distinctive wording
“TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
molded into the sidewall of the
tire.
nWhen using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, low inflation pr essure of the compact spare tire will
not be warned. Also, if you replace the compact spare tire after the tire
pressure warning light comes on, the light remains on.
nCheck the tire inflation pressure of the compact spare tire.
( → P. 365)