2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID Owners Manual

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse.
It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of
the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehi-
cle’s existence through fl ashing the outside rear view mirror indicators
and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-
ment for careful driving. Driver must be careful when backing up, even
when using Rear Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confir-
mation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and be sure there are
no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before backing up. Failure to do so could
cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
12

2584-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert
for faster vehicles from farther away.
Example:
■ The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when
● The BSM main switch is set to on.
● The shift lever is in R.
● Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
● Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and
18 mph (28 km/h).
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast 18 mph (28 km/h) 65 ft. (20 m)
Slow 5 mph (8 km/h) 18 ft. (5.5 m)1

2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)■
Conditions under which the Rear Cr oss Traffic Alert function will not
detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following
types of vehicles and/or objects.
● Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.
*
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects
*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
● Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle
*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■ Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not
function correctly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the
following conditions:
● When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
● During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
● When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
● When multiple vehicles approach continuously
● Shallow angle parking
● When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
● When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road etc.
● Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
● Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles

260
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
4-6. Driving tips
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 236)
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 94)
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and decelerati on, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delay s as much as possible. When
encountering a delay, gently release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the
accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the br akes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

2614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)■
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when
necessary. Doing so can help
control excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode.
Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner and
reduce fuel cons umption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline eng ine will not automatically cut out
until the gasoline engine and the in terior of the vehicle are warm, it
will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by
avoiding overuse of the heater.
■Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire infl ation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel co nsumption. Use a tire that is
appropriate for the season.
■Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid
carrying unnecessary luggage. Insta lling a large roof rack can also
cause poor fuel consumption.
■Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to poor fuel consumption.

2624-6. Driving tips
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
● 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 specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

2634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
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.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may fr eeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prev ent inadvertent sliding
or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

2644-6. Driving tips
AVALON_HV_U (OM41451U)
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire 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 regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Al ways 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 front tires. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4  1/2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Selecting tire chains
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2
3
4
5
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Regulations on the use of tire chains