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236 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Hill-start assist control operation conditions
The shift lever is in D or M.
The brake pedal is not depressed.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
If the TRC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When the TRC system is turned off, it will turn on when vehicle speed
increases. However, when the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the
systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
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 within 10 minutes.
If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the driving assist systems. Contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
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241
2
When driving
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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
Do not stack anything in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-
backs.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle
in the event of sudden braking or in 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 ped-
als 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 luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment 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.
Page 243 of 540

243
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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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
• 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 their wear
level is not noticeably different with each other. Also make sure that
chains 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.
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.
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244 2-5. Driving information
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Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
185/60R16 and 185/65R15
tires: 3 mm (0.12 in.) in diame-
ter
185/60R15 tires: 4 mm (0.16
in.) in diameter
Cross chain
185/60R16 and 185/65R15
tires: 4 mm (0.16 in.) in diame-
ter
185/60R15 tires: 5 mm (0.20
in.) in diameter
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to the 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 (vehicles with a
Multidrive), E, M or R (vehicles with a multi-mode manual trans-
mission), and 1 or R (vehicles with a manual transmission) with-
out 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.
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254 2-5. Driving information
VERSO-S_EEIncreasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control.
This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road sur-
faces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden
braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
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255 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO-S_EETransmission information
Vehicles with a Multidrive and multi-mode manual transmis-
sion
Select an appropriate gear in M mode to maintain the effectiveness
of engine braking and to maintain charging system performance.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
Refrain from driving in 6th gear to maintain the effectiveness of
engine braking and to maintain charging system performance.
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
high engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes
on, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 489)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P
for Multidrives, E, M or R for multi-mode manual transmissions,
and 1 or R for manual transmissions.
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256 2-5. Driving information
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CAUTION
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(P. 248)
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. Never downshift abruptly while descending
steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
To avoid accident or injury (vehicles with the compact spare tire)
Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.
Page 354 of 540

354 4-2. Maintenance
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Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota rec-
ommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped
professionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please
visit an authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Toyota
parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be
advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repairers for non-war-
ranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network will be able to
expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reli-
ably and economically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal or clutch pedal
(vehicles with a manual transmission), pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.