2021 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID Owners Manual (in English)

4096-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
“MAX”
“MIN”
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
1
2
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

4106-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Add washer fluid in the following
situations:
●A washer does not work.
●“Windshield Washer Fluid Low”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine, etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle's painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
The 12-volt battery is located on
the right-hand side of the trunk.
Remove the 12-volt battery cover.
12-volt batter y
Location
Removing the 12-volt battery cover

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
●The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off
the power before disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when
connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
Exterior
1
2

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
●Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.
■How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■When disconnecting the 12-volt battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. The discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.
■When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.

4146-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

4156-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “” mark,
etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that
tire rotation is carried out at the
same interval as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system after
tire rotation.
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
Checking tires
Tire rotation
1
2
3
Front

4166-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valve and transmitters to detect low tire inflation
pressure before serious problems arise.
●The tire pressure detected by
the tire pressure warning sys-
tem can be displayed on the
multi-information display.
●If the tire pressure drops below
a predetermined level, the
driver is warned by a screen
display and a warning light.
(
P. 458)
Tire pressure warning system