3264-5. Using the driving support systems
HIGHLANDER HV_U
starting on an uphill
■EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing)
Employs an electric motor to
reduce the amount of effort
needed to turn the steering
wheel
■E-Four
Electronic On-Demand AWD
system. Automatically switches
from front-wheel drive to
all-wheel drive (AWD) according
to the driving conditions, helping
to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions
where the system will switch to
AWD are when cornering, going
uphill, starting off or accelerat-
ing, and when the road surface
is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics
Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of
the ABS, brake assist, TRAC,
VSC, hill-start assist control and
EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stabil-
ity when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the
brakes, hybrid system output
and steering assist.
■The Secondary Collision
Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor
detects a collision and the sys-
tem operates, the brakes and
brake lights are automatically
controlled to reduce the vehicle speed and help reduce the pos-
sibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision.
■When the
TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway
Control systems
are operating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer
Sway Control systems are operat-
ing.
■Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt
or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid sys-
tem to the wheels. Pressing the
switch to turn th e system off may
make it easier for you to rock the
vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release the switch.
The “Traction Cont rol Turned OFF”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
3334-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Use fluids that are appropriate
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the
12-volt 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:
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary
preparations and inspec-
tions before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always
drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so m ay result in a
loss of vehicle control and cause
death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended
level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75
mph (120 km/h), regardless of
the type of snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just
some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the
vehicle being unable to be driven
safely, and may cause death or
serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the
speed limit specifi ed for the tire
chains being used, or 30 mph
(50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road
surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration,
abrupt steering, sudden brak-
ing and shifting operations that
cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before
entering a curve to ensure that
vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use the LTA (Lane Trac-
ing Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow
tires
Request repairs or replacement of
snow tires from Toyota dealers or
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects
the operation of the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle
4617-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
HIGHLANDER HV_U
7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs
to be towed
If towing is necessary, we
recommend having your
vehicle towed by your Toy-
ota dealer or commercial
towing service, using a
wheel-lift type truck or flat-
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system
for all towing, and abide by
all state/provincial and local
laws.
If towing your vehicle with a
wheel-lift type truck from
the front, the vehicle’s rear
wheels and axles must be in
good conditions. ( P.463)
If they are damaged, use a
towing dolly or flatbed
truck.
WARNING
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so m ay result in
death or serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
2WD models
Be sure to transp ort the vehicle
with the front wheels raised or
with all four wheels raised off the
ground. If the vehicle is towed
with the front wheels contacting
the ground, the drivetrain and
related parts may be damaged or
electricity generated by the opera-
tion of the motor may cause a fire
to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.
AWD models
Be sure to transp ort the vehicle
with all four wheels raised off the
ground. If the vehicle is towed
with the tires co ntacting the
ground, the drivetrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehi-
cle may fly off the truck, or elec-
tricity generated by the operation
of the motor may cause a fire to
occur depending o n the nature of
the damage or malfunction.
4927-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
• VDIM
• Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range
• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
• RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped)
• Automatic High Beam
• AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)
• Tire pressure warning system
• Intuitive parking assist (if equipped)
• PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if equipped)
• Toyota parking assist monitor (if equipped)
• Panoramic view monitor (if equipped)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
• Navigation system (if equipped)
Also, not only can the following
system not be utilized fully, but it
may even negatively affect the
drive-train components:
• E-Four (AWD models)
■Speed limit when using the
compact spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess
of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a com-
pact spare tire is installed on the
vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not
designed for driving at high
speeds. Failure to observe this
precaution may lead to an acci-
dent causing death or serious
injury.
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, ma ke sure all the
tools and jack are securely in
place in their storage location to
reduce the possibility of personal
injury during a collision or sudden
braking.
NOTICE
■Be careful when driving over
bumps with the compact
spare tire installed on the
vehicle
The vehicle becomes lower when
driving with the compact spare tire
compared to when driving with
standard tires. Be careful when
driving over uneven road sur-
faces.
■Driving with tire chains and
the compact spare tire
Do not fit tire chains to the com-
pact spare tire. Tire chains may
damage the vehicle body and
adversely affect d riving perfor-
mance.
■When replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the
wheels, tires or th e tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter,
contact your Toyota dealer as the
tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may be damaged if not
handled correctly.
■When stowing the flat tire
●Ensure that there is no object
caught between the tire and the
vehicle underbody.