2005-2012 Toyota Avalon 4 Door When driving -> Driving information User Manual
MyCarUserManual.com
USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

When driving -> Driving information for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

2-4. Using other driving systems  
Driving assist systems  
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-  
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.  
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and  
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.  
■ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)  
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if  
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.  
2
■ Brake assist  
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is  
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.  
■ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)  
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning  
on slippery road surfaces.  
■ TRAC*1/TRC*2 (Traction Control)  
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning  
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.  
*1: U.S.A.  
*2: CANADA  
When the VSC/TRAC/TRC are operating  
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-  
ping, or if the front wheels spin,  
the slip indicator light flashes to  
indicate that the VSC/TRAC/  
TRC have been engaged.  
195  
2-4. Using other driving systems  
To disable TRAC/TRC and/or VSC  
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC/TRC and VSC  
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to  
turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.  
■ Turning off TRAC/TRC  
Quickly push and release the  
button to turn off TRAC/TRC.  
or  
The TRAC OFF indicator light or  
TRC OFF indicator light should  
come on.  
Push the button again to turn the  
system back on.  
■ Turning off TRAC/TRC and VSC  
Push and hold the button for  
more than 3 seconds while the  
or  
vehicle is stopped to turn off  
TRAC/TRC and VSC.  
The TRAC OFF indicator light or  
TRC OFF indicator light and VSC  
OFF indicator light will come on.  
Push the button again to turn the  
system back on.  
196  
2-4. Using other driving systems  
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC/TRC and VSC  
Vehicles with smart key system  
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off after turning off the  
TRAC/TRC and VSC will automatically re-enable them.  
Vehicles without smart key system  
Turning the engine switch to the “LOCK” position after turning off the  
TRAC/TRC and VSC will automatically re-enable them.  
2
■Automatic TRAC/TRC reactivation  
If only the TRAC/TRC is turned off, the TRAC/TRC will turn on when vehicle  
speed increases.  
■Automatic TRAC/TRC and VSC reactivation  
If the TRAC/TRC and VSC are turned off, the systems will not turn on even  
when vehicle speed increases.  
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and  
TRAC/TRC  
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is  
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-  
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.  
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are  
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.  
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.  
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.  
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.  
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.  
197  
2-4. Using other driving systems  
CAUTION  
■The ABS does not operate effectively when  
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.  
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick  
road.  
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads  
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always  
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following  
situations.  
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads  
●When driving with tire chains  
●When driving over bumps in the road  
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement  
■TRAC/TRC may not operate effectively when  
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-  
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/TRC is operating.  
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.  
■When TRAC/TRC and VSC are off  
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-  
tions. As there are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving  
force, do not turn off TRAC/TRC and VSC unless necessary.  
198  
2-4. Using other driving systems  
CAUTION  
■When the VSC is activated  
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.  
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the  
indicator light flashes.  
■Replacing tires  
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total  
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-  
mended tire pressure level.  
2
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-  
ted on the vehicle.  
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or  
wheels.  
■Handling of tires and suspension  
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect  
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.  
199  
2-5. Driving information  
Cargo and luggage  
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-  
tions, cargo capacity and load.  
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be  
sure all items are secured in place.  
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far  
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.  
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.  
Capacity and distribution  
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.  
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight of occupants)  
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—  
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and  
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-  
cle’s placard.  
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers  
that will be riding in your vehicle.  
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from  
XXX kg or XXX lbs.  
200  
2-5. Driving information  
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and  
luggage load capacity.  
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will  
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-  
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5  
150) = 650 lbs.)  
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being  
loaded on the vehicle.  
2
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and lug-  
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.  
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will  
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine  
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity  
of your vehicle. (P. 205)  
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your  
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.  
201  
2-5. Driving information  
Example on your vehicle  
Cargo capacity  
Total load capacity  
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are  
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 870 lb. (395  
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be  
as follows:  
870 lb. – 366 lb. = 504 lb. (395 kg –166 kg = 229 kg)  
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of  
388 lb. (176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be  
reduced as follows:  
504 lb. – 388 lb. = 116 lb. (229 kg – 176 kg = 53 kg)  
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants  
increases, the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight  
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an  
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total  
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage  
load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.  
202  
2-5. Driving information  
CAUTION  
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk  
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.  
●Receptacles containing gasoline  
●Aerosol cans  
■Storage precautions  
Observe the following precautions.  
2
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.  
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the  
item may get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the  
pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit  
the driver or passengers, causing an accident.  
• Driver’s feet  
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)  
• Instrument panel  
• Dashboard  
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and  
injure someone during an accident or sudden braking.  
●Never allow anyone to ride in the trunk. It is not designed for passen-  
gers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fas-  
tened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious  
injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.  
203  
2-5. Driving information  
CAUTION  
■Weight of the load  
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle  
weight rating.  
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less  
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper  
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which  
may cause death or serious injury.  
204  
2-5. Driving information  
Vehicle load limits  
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,  
towing capacity and cargo capacity.  
■ Total load capacity: 870 lb. (395 kg)  
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,  
cargo and luggage.  
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)  
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants  
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.  
2
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,  
do not exceed the total load capacity.  
■ Towing capacity  
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.  
■ Cargo capacity  
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the  
weight and the number of occupants.  
205  
2-5. Driving information  
■Total load capacity and seating capacity  
These details are also described on the tire and loading information  
label. (P. 418)  
CAUTION  
■Overloading the vehicle  
Do not overload the vehicle.  
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and  
braking ability, resulting in an accident.  
206  
2-5. Driving information  
Winter driving tips  
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving  
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-  
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.  
■ Pre-winter preparations  
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-  
peratures.  
• Engine oil  
2
• Engine coolant  
• Washer fluid  
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-  
ity of battery electrolyte.  
● 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.  
207  
2-5. Driving information  
■ Before driving the vehicle  
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.  
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is  
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.  
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.  
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,  
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents  
in front of the windshield.  
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.  
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow  
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the  
brakes.  
■ When driving the vehicle  
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-  
able to road conditions.  
■ When parking the vehicle  
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting  
the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing  
it from being released. If necessary block the wheels to prevent  
inadvertent sliding or creeping.  
208  
2-5. Driving information  
Selecting snow chains  
Use the correct snow chain size when mounting the snow chains.  
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.  
Side chain:  
0.12 in. (3.0 mm)  
1.18 in. (30.0 mm)  
0.39 in. (10.0 mm)  
Cross chain:  
2
0.16 in. (4.0 mm)  
0.98 in. (25.0 mm)  
0.55 in. (14.0 mm)  
Regulations on the use of snow chains  
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-  
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-  
ing chains.  
● Install the chains on the front tires.  
● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).  
209  
2-5. Driving information  
■Snow chain installation  
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.  
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.  
●Install tire chains on the front tires only.  
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying  
instructions.  
CAUTION  
■Driving with snow tires  
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.  
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or  
serious injury.  
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.  
●Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.  
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of  
snow tires being used.  
●Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.  
■Driving with snow chains  
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.  
Failing 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 specified 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 turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect  
vehicle handling.  
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-  
trol is maintained.  
210  
2-5. Driving information  
NOTICE  
■Repairing or replacing snow tires  
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers.  
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-  
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.  
■Fitting tire chains  
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly  
when tire chains are fitted.  
2
211  
2-5. Driving information  
Trailer towing  
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.  
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or  
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.  
Your Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow  
hitch mounted carriers.  
212  
2-5. Driving information  
Dinghy towing  
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on  
the ground) behind a motor home.  
2
NOTICE  
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle  
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.  
213  

Related Topics

When driving
Driving procedures Instrument cluster Operating the lights and windshield wipers Using other driving systems

Popular Owner Manuals

Audi
Audi
BMW
BMW
Citroen
Citroen
Ford
Ford
Honda
Honda
Peugeot
Peugeot