Page 289 of 604

2894-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
WARNING
■Before using the LDA system
Do not rely solely on the LDA system. The LDA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to
take. As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for under-
standing his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct
the driving line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
■ To avoid operating the LDA by mistake
Switch the LDA system off using the LDA switch when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use the LDA system in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
● When driving with tire chains, a spare tire, or similar equipment
● When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be mis-
interpreted as lane markers (such as guardrails, a curb, reflector posts,
etc.)
● When driving on snowy roads
● When pavement lane markers are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog,
sand dust, etc.
● When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road
● When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when
driving in a temporary lane
Page 323 of 604

3234-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
hybrid battery, hybrid system or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the
hybrid system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.
● Water entering the hybrid transaxle will cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not
be drivable.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the transaxle case, reducing the gear
oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Page 379 of 604
379
6Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 380
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 383
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 386
General maintenance........ 389
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 393
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 394
Hood ................................. 396
Positioning a floor jack ...... 398
Engine compartment ......... 399
12-volt battery ................... 407
Tires .................................. 412
Tire inflation pressure ....... 421
Wheels .............................. 424
Air conditioning filter.......... 426
Electronic key battery........ 428
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 430
Light bulbs......................... 434
Page 380 of 604

380
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
6-1. Maintenance and care
●Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors.
• Turn off the power back door.
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors
before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
Cleaning and prot ecting the vehicle
exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:
Page 381 of 604

3816-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)■
When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the ef\
fective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key sys-
tem. ( P. 150)
■ Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical clean-
ers.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
WARNING
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■ Precautions regarding the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has
cooled sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
■ Precaution regarding the rear bump er with Blind Spot Monitor (if
equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may mal-
function. If this occurs, consult your Toyota dealer.
Page 382 of 604

3826-1. Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
● Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
Page 383 of 604

3836-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
●Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
● Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with
diluted detergent.
Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.
● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
all remaining traces of detergent.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining
moisture. Allow the leather to dr y in a shaded and ventilated area.
● Remove loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner.
● Apply a mild soap solution to the synthetic leather using a sponge
or soft cloth.
● Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes. Remove the dirt and
wipe off the solution with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning and prot ecting the vehicle
interior
The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior
and keep it in top condition:
Protecting the vehicle interior
Cleaning the leather areas
Cleaning the synthetic leather areas
Page 384 of 604

3846-1. Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F02U)
■Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■ Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.
■ Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
WARNING
■Water in the vehicle
● Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents, and in the luggage compartment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery, electrical components, etc. to mal-
function or catch fire.
● Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(P. 43)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.