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344
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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.
Page 526 of 772

526 4-2. Maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, 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.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury
or death.
Warning in handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (P. 545)
Used engine oil
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect
your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Page 527 of 772
527
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 545)
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine coolant level (P. 543)
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology. Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant is pre-
mixed with 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)
Engine oil levelP. 538)
• Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel
(used only for adding oil)
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530 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 545)
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
Be sure the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position.
With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant
temperature is high. (P. 545)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
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535
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Engine compartment
Gasoline engine
Washer fluid tank (P. 549)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 543)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 539)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 538)Battery (P. 545)
Fuse box (P. 569)
Cooling fan
Condenser (P. 545)
Radiator (P. 545)
Page 536 of 772
536 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Diesel engine
Washer fluid tank (P. 549)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 543)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 538)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 539)Fuel filter (P. 550, 713)
Fuse box (P. 569)
Battery (P. 545)
Cooling fans
Condenser (P. 545)
Intercooler (P. 545)
Radiator (P. 545)
Page 543 of 772
543 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Gasoline engine
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
Diesel engine
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Page 615 of 772

5
615
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the tempera-
ture is higher than normal
Audible symptoms
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system
Pinging or other noises related to the engine
Operational symptoms
Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
Appreciable loss of power
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor