2012 TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK brake

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size. Side chain
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
Cross chain
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of ti re chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k local regulations before installing
chains.
■ 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 an
automatic transmission) or 1 or R (vehicles with a manual trans-
mission) without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary,
block the wheels to prevent in advertent sliding or creeping.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing (3-door models for Canada)
Weight limitsConfirm that the gross trailer weig ht, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
● The gross trailer weight must never exceed 700 lb. (315 kg).
●The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the GVWR indi-
cated the Certification Label.
● The gross axle weight on each
axle must never exceed the
GAWR indicated the Certifica-
tion Label.
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 fu el consumption. 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 char acteristics and operating condi-
tions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fu rther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 5 (vehicles with a
manual transmission).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the high engine coolant temper-
ature warning light flashes or co mes on overheating, immediately
turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road
and stop in a safe place. ( →P. 334)

182 2-5. Driving information
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or in 1
or R (vehicles with a manual transmission). Avoid parking on a
slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel bloc ks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 1 or R
(vehicles with a manual transmission) and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P (vehi cles with an automatic trans-
mission) or the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion) depressed, start the e ngine. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, be su re to keep the brake pedal
pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
Release the parking brake (also brake pedal on vehicles with
an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.

184 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Trailer towing precautions
●Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
● Exceeding the towing capacity, GVWR or GAWR can cause an accident
resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
■ To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, which-
ever is lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combina-
tion increases as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may
cause loss of control.
● Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
● Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
● Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
● Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long
downhill grades.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

188
2-5. Driving information
Dinghy towing (vehicles with a manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing: Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position.
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices are turned
off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment. Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.

228
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the battery fluid and
connections. (
→P. 249)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
→P. 248)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the
correct level? (
→P. 246)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level? (
→P. 242)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
→P. 247)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(→ P. 252)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

229
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should
move smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • When parked on a slope and the
shift lever is in P, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appro- priate clearance from the floor?
(→ P. 350)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play?
(→ P. 350)
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effec- tively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the
brakes are applied.
Clutch pedal • Does the clutch pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the clutch pedal have appropriate clearance from the
floor?
• Does the clutch pedal have the correct amount of free play?
(→ P. 349)
Head restraints • Do the head restraints move
smoothly and lock securely?