2012 TOYOTA GT86 Owners Manual

225 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal after a little while.
Automatic deactivation of “VSC SPORT” mode
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system
When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned off after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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CAUTION
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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CAUTION
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do
not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as possible.
When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.
Load and distribution
Do not overload your vehicle.
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.

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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
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the rear tires.
Make sure to install 4 tires that are of the specified size, and that all
4 tires are the same size, same maker, same brand and tread pat-
tern. Also, make sure to use tire chains that match the size of the
tires.
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.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.

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If a door is opened and closed when its side window is frozen,
the window safety device will operate and the side window
open/close function linked to door operation may not operate
correctly. If this occurs, perform the following after the ice has
melted.
Open the side window until it is approximately halfway
open.
Fully close the window by pulling the switch up to the one-
touch closing position and continue holding the switch for 1
second or more after the window fully closes.
The window position is reset and the safety device operations will
be released.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it
from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.
STEP 1
STEP 2

231 2-5. Driving information
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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 installing
chains.
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 rear tires. Do not install tire chains on front tires.
Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving approximately 100 m (328 ft.).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
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 specified size, and that are the same size, same maker,
same brand and tread pattern.
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

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CAUTION
Driving with tire chains
Vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit: When any of the tires
are punctured, you can seal the tire temporarily. However, do not use the
tire chain on a sealed tire. If any of the rear tires are punctured although it
is required to use tire chains, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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 km/h (19 mph), whichever is lower.
• Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
• Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
• Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
Always use the utmost care when driving with tire chains - overconfidence
because you are driving with tire chains could easily lead to a serious acci-
dent.
NOTICE
Using the tire chains
Use only chains that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to damage
the vehicle body or suspension.