TOYOTA TACOMA 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

201
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window, scrape an outside rear
view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mir-
ror 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.

202 2-5. Driving information
Selecting tire chainsUse the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
0.2 in. (5 mm) in diameter
Cross chain
0.25 in. (6.3 mm) in diameter
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 rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
If the parking brake is set, it may freeze up, preventing it from
being released.
Stop the vehicle and move the shift lever to P if an automatic
transmission, or move it to 1 wh en the vehicle is facing uphill or
R when facing downhill if a manu al transmission then place the
wheel blocks without applying the parking brake.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
■
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 rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
front tires.
● 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 recommended level of air 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.
● 4WD models:
Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.
■ 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.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

204 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■When parking the vehicle
Always use wheel blocks when parking without the parking brake. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to move, resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers or
legitimate 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
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly\
when tire chains are fitted.

205
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying
vehicle, and thus towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han-
dling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For
your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehicle or
trailer.
We recommend you use a weight distributing hitch when towing to
keep your vehicle level with the ground.
■ Weight limits
Confirm that the total trailer we ight, gross combination weight,
gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight, and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
■ Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum of the weights of the unloaded
vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch, and the trailer
tongue load. It also includes t he weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.

206 2-5. Driving information
■Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribu-
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Regular Cab models and Double Cab models
Certification label
Access Cab models Certification label

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
■
Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum load of the following.
Without towing package 350 lb. (158 kg)
With towing package 650 lb. (294 kg)
However, if towing with a fifth wheel trailer, the cargo load must
be distributed so that the tongue load is 19 to 21% of the total
trailer weight.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing stations, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yards, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load

208 2-5. Driving information
Towing a trailerConsult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
Hitch and tow hitch receiver■ Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities estab-
lished by the hitch manufacturer . Even though the vehicle may be
rated for towing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed
the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Selecting trailer ball
Use the correct trailer ball for your application. Trailer ball load rating
Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer
coupler. Most couplers are
stamped with the required trailer
ball size.
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of
the lock washer and nut at least 2
threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole
diameter size.
Trailer
classTypical trailer ball
size
IV2 5/16 in.
II and III2 in.
I1 7/8 in.

210 2-5. Driving information
Bumper towingThe rear bumper of your vehicle
is equipped with a hole to install
a trailer ball.
The maximum gross trailer
weight: 3500 lb. (1587 kg)
The gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) when
towing with the bumper must never exceed 3500 lb. (1587 kg).
Fifth wheel trailer
When towing a fifth wheel trailer,
be careful not to hit the cabin or
deck by the trailer while making
a sharp turn.
Service connector for towing brake controller
Your vehicle is equipped with a
service connector for the trailer
brake controller as shown.