3234-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
●Specific design characte ristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi cle design feature causes this
type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may c ause the vehicle to rollover.
Utility vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the util ity vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrowe r tread in relation to the
height of its center of gravity.
Utility vehicle feature
WARNING
■ Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Th erefore, the driver and all passengers
should always fasten their seat belts.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped) will make the cen-
ter of the vehicle 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.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.
4597-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48F12U)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle wh en towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ Recreational towing (beh ind motor home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent
causing serious damage to the hybrid
transmission and AWD system.
(P. 228)
