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214 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic laser cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Be aware of the set speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not
appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your
vehicle and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes etc.
■ Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic laser cruise control is only intended to help the driver in
determining the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a
designated vehicle traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that allows care-
less or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in
low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for driver to pay close attention
to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic laser cruise control determines whether the following dis-
tance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling
ahead is appropriate or not. It is not capable of making any other type of
judgement. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain
vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possibility of danger in
any given situation.
● Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic laser cruise control has no capability to prevent or avoid a
collision with a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any dan-
ger, the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and
act appropriately in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
■ To avoid inadvertent cruise control activation
Switch the cruise control off using the ON-OFF button when not in use.
Page 216 of 664

216 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning ( P. 568) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
● The vehicle ahead has higher ground clearance, which means that the
placement of the reflectors is in a higher position.
● The rear section of the vehicle ahead is extremely dirty.
● The vehicle ahead or other vehicles around you are flinging up water or
snow.
● Excessive exhaust gas (black smoke) is coming from the vehicle ahead or
other vehicles around you, obscuring your front view.
● There is an obstruction (protective film, sticker, etc.) on the reflectors on
the vehicle ahead, or reflectors are not installed on the vehicle ahead or
are damaged.
● Heavy luggage in the luggage compartment or rear seats is causing the
nose of your vehicle to tilt up.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
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217
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the laser radar
sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or
serious accident may result.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
■ Handling the laser radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
●Keep the sensor clean at all times.
Clean the sensor with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction.
If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by a Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, surrounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
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223
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect
the ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances
where this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
• A sensor is frozen.
• A sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
• A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or right-angled curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected. Objects lower than the sensors or thin stakes etc. may be detected ini-
tially, but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
• A towing hitch is mounted to the vehicle.
• A non-genuine Toyota suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• When attaching a two-way radio antenna.
• When a towing eyelet is mounted on your vehicle.
• When the bumper is damaged.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer
than they are.
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255
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■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.
■Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when trailer
sway is detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if
VSC is turned off or experiences a malfunction.
■ TRAC (Traction Control) for 2WD
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■A-TRAC (Active Traction Control) for 4WD
Maintains drive power and prevents all wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
Page 262 of 664
262 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( P. 295)
Page 266 of 664

266 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
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275
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the rear 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, scrape an outside rear
view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mir-
ror 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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.