TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

171
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.

172 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Selecting snow chainsUse 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: 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 regu lations 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).
■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.

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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.

174 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■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.
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.

175
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toy-
ota 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.

176
2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

Interior features3
177
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-1. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger... 178
Automatic air conditioning 
system ........................... 178
Using the steering wheel  climate control 
switches ......................... 185
Rear window and outside 
rear view mirror 
defoggers ....................... 187
3-2. Using the audio 
system .......................... 188
Audio system type............ 188
Audio cover ...................... 190
Using the radio ................. 191
Using the CD player ......... 198
Playing MP3 and WMA 
discs............................... 206
Optimal use of the audio 
system ........................... 214
Using the AUX adapter .... 216
Using the steering wheel  audio switches ............... 217
3-3. Using the hands-free 
system .......................... 220
Hands-free system 
(for cellular phone) ........ 220
Using the hands-free 
system ........................... 223 Making a phone call ......... 231
Setting a cellular phone ... 236
Security and system

setup .............................. 241
Using the phone book ...... 244
3-4. Using the interior 
lights ............................. 252
Interior lights list ............... 252
3-5. Using the storage 
features ......................... 255
List of storage features .... 255
3-6. Other interior features ... 263 Sun visors ........................ 263
Vanity mirrors ................... 264
Clock ................................ 265
Outside temperature 
display............................ 266
Ashtrays .......................... 267
Power outlets ................... 268
Climate control seats/seat 
heaters .......................... 270
Armrest ............................ 272
Rear sunshade ................ 273
Floor mats ........................ 275
Trunk features .................. 276
Garage door opener ........ 278
Compass .......................... 283

178
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system
Airflow and outlets are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
This illustration is a vehicle equipped with the outside rear view
mirror defoggers.
Automatic mode Off
Driver’s side

temperature control
Air conditioning 
ON/OFF switch
Outside air or 
recirculated mode Passenger’s side

temperature control
Dual 
operation With navigation system
Without navigation system
Windshield

defogger
Fan speedChanges the air

outlets used

179
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Using the automatic mode
Press .
The air conditioning system will begin to operate. Air outlets and fan
speed are automatically adjusted according to the temperature set-
ting.
Press “” to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease the
temperature on .
The temperature for the driver and passenger seats can be set sep-
arately.
Adjusting the settings
■ Adjusting the temperature setting
Press “ ” to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease the tem-
perature on .
Press “ ” (increase) or “ ” (decrease) on to separately adjust
the temperature for the passenger and driver sides (dual mode). Press
to return the driver and passenger side temperatures to the
same setting (simultaneous mode).
The air conditioning system switches between dual and simultaneous
modes each time is pressed.
■ Adjusting the fan speed
Press “
” (increase) or “” (decrease) on the switch.
Press to turn the fan off.
STEP1
STEP2

180 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)■
Changing the air outlets
Press
.
The air outlets switch each time the button is pressed. The air flow
shown on the display indicate the following.
Air flows to the upper body.
Air flows to the upper body and
feet.
Air flows to the feet.