Page 202 of 772

202 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (P. 220, 226)
When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
Page 208 of 772

208 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
NOTICE
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
Diesel engine only: Make sure to idle the engine immediately after high-
speed driving or hill climbing. Stop the engine only after the turbocharger
has cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the turbocharger.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as soon as
possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.
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.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (P. 648, 662, 676)
Page 530 of 772

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.