snow chains TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1998 Owners Manual

4RUNNER (1998)
Even if the power assist is
completely lost, the brakes will
still work. But you will have to
push the pedal hardÐmuch
harder than normal. And your
braking distance will be longer.
ANTI- LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(with ºABSº warning light)
The anti- lock brake system is de-
signed to automatically help prevent
lock- up of the wheels during sudden
braking or braking on slippery road
surfaces. This assists in providing
directional stab ility and steering per-
formance of the vehicle under these
circumstances.
The anti- lock brake system becomes
operative after the vehicle has accel-
erated to a speed in excess of
approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It
stops operating when the vehicle de-
celerates to a speed below approxi-
mately 5 km/h (3 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when
the engine is started or just after the
vehicle is started. This means that the
anti- lock brake system is in the self
check mode, and does not indicate a
malfunction. Effective way to press the ºABSº
brake pedal: When the anti- lock brake
system function is in action, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsating and
hear a noise. In this situation, to let
the anti- lock brake system work for
you, just hold the brake pedal down
more firmly. Do not pump the brake.
This will result in reduced braking per-
formance.
The brake pedal pulsation caused by
the anti- lock brake system may indi-
cate hazardous road surface condi-
tions. Although the anti- lock brake
system assists in providing vehicle
control, it is still important to drive
with all due care, because the anti-
lock brake system cannot overcome
the laws of physics that act on your
vehicle:
Braking capab ility is dependent on
tire friction with the road surface.
Even though the anti- lock brake
system is operating, a driver can-
not maintain full control on certain
slippery road surfaces, when cor-
nering at high speeds, or in violent
maneuvers.
Avoid high speeds on wet roads.
The anti- lock brake system cannot
eliminate the risk of hydroplaning
and loss of tire friction. Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Compared
with vehicles not fitted with an anti-
lock brake system, your vehicle may
require a longer stopping distance in
the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow-
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
CAUTION
Do not use tires other than the
manufacturer 's designated tires,
and do not mix tires or wheels of
different sizes. You may prevent
the antilock brake system from
operating at full effectiveness.
Vehicles with rear differential lock sys-
tem 'The anti- lock brake system does
not operate when the rear differential
is locked. It is normal operation for
the ºABSº warning light to be on at
this time.

4RUNNER (1998)
Use a washer fluid containing an
antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyo-
ta dealer and most auto parts stores.
Follow the manufacturer 's directions
for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because itmay damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake
when there is a possibility it could
freeze.
When parking, put the transmission
into ºPº (automatic) or into first or
reverse (manual) and block the rear
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.
Keep ice and snow from accumulat-
ing 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. Depending on where you are driv-
ing, we recommend you carry some
emergency equipment.
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.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as
a passenger- and- load- carrying ve-
hicle. Towing a trailer will have an
adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.).
Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equip-
ment and cautious driving habits. For
your safety and the safety of others,
you must not overload your vehicle or
trailer. Ask your local Toyota dealer
for further details before towing.
WEIGHT LIMITS
Before towing, make sure the total
trailer weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue
load can be measured with platform
scales found at a highway weighing
station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.

4RUNNER (1998)
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 2
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level
Checking the engine coolant
level
Checking brake fluid
Checking power steering fluid
Checking tire pressure
Checking and replacing tires
Rotating tires
Installing snow tires and
chains
Replacing wheels
Aluminum wheel precautions
Checking the engine oil level

4RUNNER (1998)
Tread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire tread for the tread
wear indicators. If the indicators
show, replace the tires.
The tires on your Toyota have built- in
tread wear indicators to help you
know when the tires need replace-
ment. When the tread depth wears to
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-
tors will appear. If you can see the
indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The lower the tread, the higher the
risk of skidding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is
lost if the tread wears down below
4 mm (0.16 in.). Check the tires regularly for dam-
age such as cuts, splits and cracks.
If any damage is found, consult
with a technician and have the tire
repaired or replaced.
Even if the damage does not appear
serious, a qualified technician should
examine the damage. Objects which
have penetrated the tire may have
caused internal damage.
Any tires which are over six years
old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not
obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use only the
same size and construction as origi-
nally installed and with the same or
greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.

4RUNNER (1998)
To equalize tire wear and help ex-
tend tire life, Toyota recommends
that you rotate your tires approxi-
mately every 12000 km (7500 miles).
However, the most appropriate tim-
ing for tire rotation may vary ac-
cording to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
See ºIf you have a flat tireº in Part
4 for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out-
of- balance wheels, or severe braking. WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recom-
mended when driving on snow or
ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional
tires provide better traction than snow
tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select the
same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on
your Toyota.
Do not use tires other than those
mentioned above. Do not install
studded tires without first checking lo-
cal regulations for possible restric-
tions.SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on
all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front
wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capab
ility be-
tween the front and rear tires which
could cause loss of vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you
should store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be
sure to install them in the same direc-
tion when replacing.
Installing snow tires
and chains

4RUNNER (1998)
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow
tires incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75
mph) with any type of snow
tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use the tire chains of correct size.
Regulations regarding the use of
tire chains vary according to loca-
tion or type of road, so always
check them before installing chains.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the rear tires
as tightly as possible. Do not use
tire chains on the front tires. Re-
tighten chains after driving 0.5Ð1.0
km (1/4Ð1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires,
carefully follow the instructions of the
chain manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so re-
move the covers before putting on the
chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufactur-
er 's recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which
may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-
wheel braking, as use of chains
may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion,
the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels,
the tire may slip off the wheel or they
may cause loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should
be taken to ensure that the wheels
are replaced by ones with the same
load capacity, diameter, rim width,
and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are avail-
able at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type
may adversely affect handling, wheel
and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
stopping ab ility, headlight aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance, and
tire or snow chain clearance to the
body and chassis.