2014 TOYOTA AVENSIS Owners Manual (in English)

345 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch
ball is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer
will add to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will
not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capac-
ity.
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle
if the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust
the extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that
they always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attach-
ing a steel bracket.

346 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection
between the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well
as before setting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn right. Always rotate gradu-
ally to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when
reversing to lessen the risk of accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control.
This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road sur-
faces.

347 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden
braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer, and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.

348 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)Transmission information
Multidrive or automatic transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “D”. Select an appropriate
gear in “M” mode.
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “6”.
If the engine overheats...
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 714)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to
“P” for Multidrive or automatic transmission, and “1” or “R” for man-
ual transmission.

349 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
CAUTION
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

350
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning
system ............................ 352
Manual air conditioning
system ............................ 362
Power heater .................... 370
Rear window and outside
rear view mirror
defoggers........................ 373
Windshield wiper
de-icer............................. 374

3Interior features
351
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
3-2. Using the audio system
Audio system types .......... 375
Using the radio ................. 383
Using the CD player ......... 390
Playing back MP3 and
WMA discs...................... 398
Operating an iPod............. 408
Operating a
USB memory .................. 418
Optimal use of the
audio system .................. 428
Using the AUX port ........... 430
Using the steering wheel
audio switches ................ 431
Bluetooth
® audio/phone.... 434
Using the Bluetooth®
audio/phone .................... 441
Operating a Bluetooth
®
enabled portable
player .............................. 447
Making a phone call.......... 451
Using the “SET UP”
menu (“Bluetooth”
menu) ............................. 457
Using the “SET UP”
menu (“TEL” menu) ........ 463
3-3. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list................ 470
• Personal/interior light
main switch ..................... 471
• Personal/interior lights .... 471
• Personal lights ................ 4723-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features ..... 473
• Glove box ....................... 474
• Console box.................... 475
• Overhead console .......... 476
• Cup holders .................... 477
• Bottle holders.................. 478
• Coin box ......................... 480
3-5. Other interior features
Sun visors ......................... 481
Vanity mirror ..................... 482
Ashtray.............................. 483
Cigarette lighter ................ 484
Power outlet ...................... 485
Seat heaters ..................... 486
Armrest ............................. 488
Trunk/luggage
compartment storage
extension ........................ 489
Panoramic roof shade
(wagon)........................... 490
Rear sunshade (sedan) .... 493
Rear side sunshades
(sedan) ........................... 494
Assist grips ....................... 495
Floor mats ......................... 496
Trunk features (sedan) ..... 498
Luggage compartment
features (wagon)............. 500

352
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system
: If equipped
Airflow and outlets are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
Vehicles with power heater
The above illustration is for a left-hand drive vehicle. The button
positions are reversed for right-hand drive vehicles.
Driver’s side temperature
setting display
Driver’s side
temperature
control
Off
Fan speedAirflow display Windshield
defoggerOutside air or
recirculated air mode
Fan speed
displayPassenger’s side
temperature setting display
Dual operation
switch
Passenger’s side
temperature control
Changes the air
outlets usedAir conditioning
ON/OFF switch Automatic mode