2014 TOYOTA VERSO Owners Manual

297 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
Roof luggage carrier precautions (if equipped)
To use the roof rails as a roof luggage carrier, you must fit the roof rails with
two or more genuine Toyota cross rails or their equivalent.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions when installing the
cross rails or their equivalent.
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the front
and rear axles.
If loading long or wide cargo never exceed the vehicle overall length or
width.
Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof lug-
gage carrier.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in
death or serious injury.
If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the
vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its
place.
Do not exceed 100 kg (221 lb.) cargo weight on the roof rails. However, if
the allowable cargo weight of the cross rails is under 100 kg (221 lb.)
observe the load limit and other instructions for the cross rails.
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298
2-5. Driving information
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 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.
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.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’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.
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299 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
30 mm (1.18 in.) in length
Cross chain
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
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).
When driving 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 conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or to “1” or “R” (manual transmission)
without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze
up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the
wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
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300 2-5. Driving information
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 only. Do not install the chains on the
rear tires.
Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5  1.0 km (1/4  1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
If wheel ornaments are used, they will be scratched by the chain band,
so remove the ornaments before putting on the chains.
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 acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
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301 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicles with the tire pressure warn-
ing system)
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
Fitting tire chains (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
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302
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing (except Morocco)
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cau-
tious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not
overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
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. 598)
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.
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303 2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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. 598)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction 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. 598)
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304 2-5. Driving information
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Gross combination vehicle
mass
Gross vehicle mass
Vehicle category M1 models
*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models
*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the
gross vehicle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
Vehicle category M1 models
*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models
*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle capacity. 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.
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