Get Driving -> Driving tips (Winter driving, Eco driving) Guide for Toyota Avanza SUV First Generation (2003-2011)

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4-6. Driving tips

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before

driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-

ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

Preparation for winter

● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-

tures.

• Engine oil

• Engine coolant

• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.

4

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.

● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-

mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the

tires or on the brakes.

● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before

getting in the vehicle.

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4-6. Driving tips

When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and

the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-

ditions.

When parking the vehicle

● Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmis-

sion) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking

brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being

released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake,

make sure to block the wheels.

Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-

cle to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

● Vehicles with an automatic transmission: If the vehicle is parked

without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift lever cannot

be moved out of P*.

*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any

other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be

shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the

vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

NOTICE

■Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicles with the tire pressure warn-

ing system)

Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-

mate tire retailers.

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 (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)

The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly

when tire chains are fitted.

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4-6. Driving tips

Eco-friendly driving tips

For improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, pay

attention to the following points:

◆ Use of Eco Driving Indicator

Eco-friendly driving is possible by maintaining the Eco Driving Indi-

cator, shown in the meter, in the on state. (→P. 120)

◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceler-

ation. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will help reduce

excessive fuel consumption.

◆ When braking

4

Observe conditions in front of and around the vehicle, and estimate

your stopping position. Release the accelerator pedal early and

continue coasting. Use the brake pedal to adjust your stopping

position.

Make sure to operate the brake pedal gently.

◆ Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at

traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports

before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible.

◆ Highway driving

Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-

ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the

accelerator pedal and gently apply the brakes.

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4-6. Driving tips

◆ Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help

reduce excessive fuel consumption.

In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-

lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air

conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.

In winter: Turn the A/C switch on only when both heating and dehu-

midifying are needed, and if only heating is needed, turn the A/C

switch off. Turning the A/C switch on when unnecessary leads to

excessive fuel consumption.

◆ Performing idling stops

● Avoid unnecessary idling. Stop the engine when parking the vehicle

to reduce excessive fuel consumption, even it is only for a short

period of time.

● Except in severe environment, such as when the outside tempera-

ture is extremely low, warming up the engine before driving is

unnecessary. Rather than idling, it is more efficient to drive the vehi-

cle gently to warm up each part while avoiding increasing the

engine revolutions unnecessarily and accelerating or decelerating

suddenly.

◆ Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-

ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause

poor fuel economy.

◆ Regular maintenance

● Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper

tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy. Also, as snow

tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads can

lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the

season and road conditions.

● Use oil and fluid of the recommended quality, which affect fuel con-

sumption and the life of the vehicle. Also, check oil and fluid period-

ically. (→P. 217)

Driving -> Driving tips (Winter driving, Eco driving) for Your Toyota Avanza SUV First Generation (2003-2011)

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