2014 TOYOTA AVENSIS Owners Manual (in English)

337 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
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.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or “R” (manual transmission) without
setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

338 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3.0 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4.0 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-
ing chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
1
2
ITY25C045
Tire chains
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 only. Do not install the chains on the
rear tires.
Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.

339 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
CAUTION
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
Maintain the recommended level of tire inflation pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

340
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Trailer towing
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the run-
ning performance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of
your vehicle. Use the vehicle features in the correct manner and
operate the vehicle with care for safer driving and optimal comfort.
Damage and/or malfunctions that occur as a result of towing per-
formed for commercial purposes are not covered by the Toyota war-
ranty.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, for further details before tow-
ing, as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible drawbar load before towing. (P. 724)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.
To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a
trailer. Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related
accidents: driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.

341 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
(P. 724)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion stabilizer (sway control
device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 724)

342 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle
capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.

343 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
460.5 mm (18.1 in.)
Sedan: 1111.1 mm (43.7 in.)
Wagon: 1175.5 mm (46.2 in.)
36.2 mm (1.4 in.)

344 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 743)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).