07 12.25
Dinghy towing
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape to
provide enough power for winter starting.
Section 7−3 tells you how to visually in-
spect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to
check the level of charge.
CY30020
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the front wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 437 in Section 7−2 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer—they will be pleased
to help.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
NOTICE
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
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