STARTING AND DRIVING
Pre-trip safety check
It is a good idea to do a safety check before
starting out on a trip. A few minutes of check-
ing can help ensure safe and pleasant driv-
ing. Just a basic familiarity with your vehicle
is required and a careful eye! Or, if you would
like, your Toyota dealer will be pleased to
make this check for you at a nominal cost.
In the engine compartment-
Spare fuses. Make sure you have spare
fuses. They should cover all the amperage
ratings designated on the fuse box lid.
Coolant level. Make sure the coolant level
is correct. See “Checking the engine coolant
level” on page 260 in Section 7--2 for instruc-
tions.
CAUTION
Battery condition and cables. All of the bat-
tery cells should be filled to the correct level
with distilled water. Look for corroded or
loose terminals and a cracked case. Check
the cables for good condition and connec-
tions. See “Checking battery condition” on
page 270 in Section 7--3.
If you make this check in an enclosed
garage, make sure there is adequate
ventilation. Engine exhaust is poison-
ous.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Outside the vehicle-
Wiring. Look for damaged, loose, or discon-
nected wires.
Tyres. Check the pressure with a gauge and
look carefully for cuts, damage, or excessive
wear.
Fuel lines. Check the lines for leaks or loose
connections.
AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE
Wheel nuts. Make sure no nuts are missing
or loose.
Exhaust system. Listen for any leakage.
Have any leaks fixed immediately. See “En-
gine exhaust cautions” on page 189 in Sec-
tion 2.
Fluid leaks. After the vehicle has been
parked for a while, check underneath for
leaking fuel, oil, water, or fluid. (Water drip-
ping from the air conditioning after use is nor-
mal.)
Engine oil level. Stop the engine and check
the dipstick with the vehicle parked on a level
spot. See “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 258 in Section 7--2 for instructions.
Lights. Make sure the headlights, stop lights,
tail lights, turn signals and other lights are
all working. Check the headlight aim.
WHILE DRIVING
Instruments. Make sure the speedometer
and gauges are working.
Inside the vehicle-
Spare tyre, jack and wheel nut wrench.
Check the tyre pressure and make sure you
have your jack and wheel nut wrench.
Brakes. In a safe place, check that the
brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
Anything unusual? Look for loose parts and
leaks. Listen for abnormal noises.
Seatbelts. Check that the buckles lock se-
curely. Make sure the belts are not worn or
frayed.
If everything looks normal, set your mind at
ease and enjoy your trip!
Instruments and controls. Especially make
sure the service reminder indicators, instru-
ment lights, and defroster are working.
Brakes. Make sure the pedal has enough
clearance.
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English 
