Page 273 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2734-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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 areas12
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.
Page 275 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■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 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
● Directly after the engine is started with the BSM main switch on
● When towing a trailer
● Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles
Page 276 of 624
276
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● 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.
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
Page 277 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2774-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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
Page 283 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2834-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following pre-
cautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the clo-
sure of areas to off-road vehicles.
● Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering
private property.
● Do not enter areas that are clos ed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or trav el delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
■ Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaini ng to driving your vehicle off-road,
consult the following organizations.
● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
● State Motor Vehicle Bureau
● Recreational Vehicle Clubs
● U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
Off-road driving
Page 286 of 624
286
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Manual air conditioning system ............................ 288
Automatic air conditioning system ... 295
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ........................ 305
Windshield wiper de-icer ... 307
5Interior features
Page 288 of 624
288
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Manual air conditioning system
: If equipped
Air outlet selector dial
Fan speed control dial
Temperature control dial Cooling and dehumidification
function on/off button
Outside/recirculated air mode
button1
2
3
4
5
Page 289 of 624
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2895-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
To adjust the fan speed, turn the fan speed control dial clockwise
(increase) or counterclockwise (decrease).
Turning the dial to “0” turns off the fan.
To adjust the temperature setting, turn the temperature control dial
clockwise (warm) or counterclockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air or
heated air.
To select the air outlets, set the air outlet selector dial to the desired
position.
The positions between the air outlet selections shown below can also be
selected for more delicate adjustment.
Adjusting the settings
1
2
3