2012 TOYOTA AVENSIS tires

346 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3.0 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4.0 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-
ing chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
1
2
ITY25C045
Tire chains
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install the chains on the
rear tires.
Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.

347 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
Maintain the recommended level of tire inflation pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Snow tires should be installed on all 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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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.

352 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 739)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

4Maintenance and care
515
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 516
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 521
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements................... 524
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ..................... 527
Hood ................................. 531
Positioning a floor jack ...... 533
Engine compartment......... 535
Tires .................................. 552
Tire inflation pressure ....... 556
Wheels .............................. 558
Air conditioning filter ......... 560
Key battery........................ 564
Checking and replacing
fuses ............................... 569
Light bulbs ........................ 585

525 4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the highest possible condition, Toyota
recommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Toyota parts in
repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages
in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs
and services, as members of the Toyota network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional service department will perform all of the scheduled maintenance
on your vehicle-reliably and economically due to their experience with
Toyota vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear

552
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Tires
Replace the tires when the treadwear indicators show.
Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear indi-
cators is shown by the “TWI” or
“ ” marks, etc., molded on
the sidewall of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and
inflation pressure if not rotated.
Tire rotation
Vehicles with a spare tire of different wheel type from the
installed tires or an emergency puncture repair kit
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and help
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that you rotate your
tires approximately every
10000 km (6000 miles).
Front

553 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if
they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
If the tread wears down 4 mm (0.16 in.) or more on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
Vehicles with a spare tire of same wheel type as the installed
tires
Front

554 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Low profile tires (225/45R18 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance
will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive
carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
CAUTION
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train, as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.