2015 TOYOTA AVENSIS Owners Manual

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4
4-6. Using the driving support systems
Driving
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Driving assist systems
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
◆VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the front wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads.
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on
an incline or slippery slope.
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
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2984-6. Using the driving support systems
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◆PCS (Pre-Crash Safety) (if equipped)
→P. 2 5 5
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn the
system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release .
“TRC OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system
back on.
When the TRC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRC system
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2994-6. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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■Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with a PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system), the pre-crash brake
assist and pre-crash braking func tions will also be disabled. (→P. 260)
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not been
pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a
smart entry & start system) or off (vehicles with a smart entry & start sys-
tem).
● If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
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3004-6. Using the driving support systems
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Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS
system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate;
●Multidrive: The shift lever is in a posit ion other than N or P (when starting off
forward/backward on an upward incline).
● Manual transmission: The shift lever is in a position other than R when start-
ing off forward on an upward incline or in R when starting off backward on
an upward incline.
● The vehicle is stopped.
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● The parking brake is not engaged.
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will be canceled in any of the following situations;
● Multidrive: The shift lever is shifted to N or P.
● Manual transmission: The shift lever is shifted to R when starting off forward
on an upward incline or from R when starting off backward on an upward
incline.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed.
● The parking brake is engaged.
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
■ Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal will
operate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
● Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
● The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge
from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
■ Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
● The brake pedal is released.
● The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation.
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3014-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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WARNING
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause
death or serious injury:
■ The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten t he vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
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3024-6. Using the driving support systems
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WARNING
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional for further in formation when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
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303
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4-7. Driving tips
Driving
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Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• 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.
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, 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.
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
Before driving the vehicle
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3044-7. Driving tips
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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 (Multidrive) or R (man-
ual 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.
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 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).
■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.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains
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