2012 TOYOTA RAV4 snow chains

197
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■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 roads with uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care-
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer 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 the system to malfunction.

217
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 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.

218 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.

219
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
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 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.
● Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.
■ 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, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

220 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
Vehicles with a tire pressure warning system:
■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.

539
Alphabetical index
Tachometer .............................. 158
Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 413
Switch ................................... 167
Wattage ................................ 495
Talk switch ............................... 286
Telephone switch .................... 286
Theft deterrent system Engine immobilizer system..... 95
Theft prevention labels ............. 98
Tire inflation pressure ............ 388
Tire information Glossary ............................... 504
Size ...................................... 501
Tire identification number ..... 500
Uniform tire quality grading ............................... 502
Tires Chains .................................. 217
Checking .............................. 381
If you have a flat tire ............. 449
Inflation pressure .................. 388
Information ........................... 499
Replacing ............................. 449
Rotating tires ........................ 381
Size ...................................... 494
Snow tires............................. 217
Tire pressure warning system........................ 381, 438
Tools......................................... 449
Total load capacity .................. 215
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 231
Emergency towing ................ 426
Trailer towing ........................ 221
Traction control ....................... 191
TRAC ........................................ 191
Trip information....................... 164
Trip meter................................. 158
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 413
Switch ................................... 155
Wattage ................................ 495 Utility vehicle precautions ......204
Valet key .....................................24
Vanity lights
Vanity lights ...........................328
Wattage .................................495
Vanity mirrors...........................328
Vehicle identification
number ...................................486
Vehicle Stability Control..........191
VSC............................................191
Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................436
Seat belt reminder .................438
Warning lights Active Torque Control 4WD system ...............437, 438
Anti-lock brake system ..........437
Automatic transmission fluid temperature ................. 438
Brake assist system ..............437
Brake system ........................436
Charging system .... ...............437
Cruise control indicator light .....................................437
Electric power steering ..........437
Engine oil pressure ...............437
Low fuel level ........................438
Low washer fluid ...................438
Maintenance required
reminder light ......................438
Malfunction indicator lamp ....437
Open door .............................438
Pretensioners ........................437
Seat belt reminder light .........438
Slip indicator light ..................437
Smart key system... ...............442
SRS airbags ..........................437
Tire pressure warning light ....438TU
V
W