2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID snow chains

237
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS 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 hybrid off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC and TRAC. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te 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 road.
■ 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 roads

251
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Observe 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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.

252 2-5. Driving information
Selecting tire chainsUse the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
1.18 in. (30 mm) in length
Cross chain
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Install the chains on the front tires.
● Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■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 without setting the
parking brake. The parking brak e may freeze up, preventing it
from being released. If necessary , block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.

253
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
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.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.
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 specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
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 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

254 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers
or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly\
when tire chains are fitted.

5
When trouble arises
535
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition be
comes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal
reception.
●If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is
put in the luggage room.
■If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute
Vehicles without smart key system
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1
minute when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer. Vehicles with smart key system
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.

630 Alphabetical index
Stop lightsReplacing light bulbs ............. 510
Wattage ................................. 583
Storage feature......................... 404
Storage precautions ................248
Stuck If your vehicle becomes stuck ................................... 566
Sun visors................................. 417
Switch Door lock switch ......................65
“ECON” switch ...................... 191
Emergency flasher switch ..... 520
Engine switch ................ 179, 184
“EV” switch ............................ 188
Fog light switch ..................... 219
Garage door opener switch ... 430
Hazard light switch ................520
Ignition switch................ 179, 184
Light switches........................ 213
Moon roof switch ................... 113
Outside rear view mirror switches .............................. 108
“POWER” switch ................... 179
Power back door main switch ....................................72
Power back door switch ..........70
Power window switch ............ 110
Window lock switch ............... 110
Wiper and washer switch .......................... 221, 224 Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 510
Switch ................................... 213
Wattage................................. 583
Talk switch ............................... 373
Telephone switch..................... 373
Theft deterrent system Alarm..................................... 126
Immobilizer system ............... 123
Theft prevention labels ........... 130
Tire inflation pressure ............. 485
Tire information Glossary ................................ 593
Size ....................................... 590
Tire identification number...... 589
Uniform tire quality grading................................ 591
Tires Chains ................................... 251
Checking ............................... 477
If you have a flat tire.............. 539
Inflation pressure .................. 485
Information ............................ 587
Replacing .............................. 539
Rotating tires ......................... 477
Size ....................................... 581
Snow tires ............................. 251
Tire pressure warning system ........................ 477, 531T