2012 TOYOTA HILUX Owners Manual (in English)

233 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure
someone in the event of a sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.
Never allow anyone to ride in the rear deck. It is not designed for passen-
gers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily
injury, in the event of a sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
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.

234
2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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 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 rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

235 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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.
Remove any ice that has accumulated 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.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able 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.

236 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
Tire chain installation
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 the front
tires.
Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

237 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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 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.
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.

238
2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cau-
tious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not
overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible draw bar load before towing. (P. 595)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.

239 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 595)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is
over 2000 kg (4409 lb.), a friction
stabilizer (sway control device) is
required.
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 595)

240 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Ty p e A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Ty p e B
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the gross
vehicle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at
high altitudes.