TOYOTA AVALON 2009 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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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
• 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.

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■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.

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When driving
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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: 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.

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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.

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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
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.

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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 carri er for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

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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.

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Interior features3
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3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger... 190
Automatic air conditioning system ........................... 190
Using the steering wheel climate control
switches ......................... 198
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ....................... 200
3-2. Using the audio system .......................... 202
Audio system type............ 202
Audio cover ...................... 204
Using the radio ................. 205
Using the CD player ......... 212
Playing MP3 and WMA discs............................... 220
Optimal use of the audio system ........................... 228
Using the AUX adapter .... 230
Using the steering wheel audio switches ............... 231
3-3. Using the hands-free system (for cellular
phone) ........................... 234
Hands-free system (for cellular phone) ............... 234
Using the hands-free system ........................... 237 Making a phone call ......... 245
Setting a cellular phone ... 250
Security and system
setup .............................. 255
Using the phone book ...... 258
3-4. Using the interior lights ............................. 266
Interior lights list ............... 266
3-5. Using the storage features ......................... 269
List of storage features .... 269
3-6. Other interior features ... 277 Sun visors ........................ 277
Vanity mirrors ................... 278
Clock ................................ 279
Outside temperature display............................ 280
Ashtrays ........................... 281
Power outlets ................... 282
Seat heaters/ventilators ... 284
Armrest ............................ 286
Rear sunshade................. 287
Floor mats ........................ 289
Trunk features .................. 290
Garage door opener......... 292
Compass .......................... 297

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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