winter tires TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2009 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

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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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the re
placed tire is greater than 1/2 of
the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) , see the Certification Label.
(  P. 395, 471, 484).
■Tire types
1 Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tire s, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use
year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance
compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the or iginally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restriction. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( P. 213)

393
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents. Failure to do so
may cause damage to parts of the drive train, as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or tread-
wear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
●Do not mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
●Do not mix summer, all season and winter tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
●Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels and tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
■To avoid damaging the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
Do not use liquid sealants on flat tires.

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Alphabetical index
If you have a flat tire ............. 445
Inflation pressure .................. 479
Information ........................... 484
Replacing ..................... 389, 445
Rotating tires ........................ 389
Size ...................................... 479
Spare tire .............................. 445
Tire pressure warning
system........................ 389, 441
Warning light ........................ 439
Tissue pocket .......................... 313
Tools......................................... 445
Total load capacity .................. 211
Towing
Dinghy towing ....................... 228
Emergency towing ................ 427
Trailer towing ........................ 216
Traction control system ......... 188
TRAC ........................................ 188
Trash holder ............................ 314
Trip meter................................. 148
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs .... 419, 420
Switch ................................... 145
Wattage ................................ 480
Valet key..................................... 28
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................... 324
Wattage ................................ 480
Vanity mirrors .......................... 324
Vehicle identification
number................................... 471
Vehicle stability control .......... 188
VSC ........................................... 188 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................436
Key reminder .........................441
Seat belt reminder .................439
Warning lights
ABS .......................................437
Airbag system .......................437
Anti-lock brake system ..........437
Automatic transmission fluidtemperature ........................437
Brake system ........................436
Charging system .... ...............437
Driver’s seat belt ...................439
Engine oil replacement..........439
Front passenger occupant classification system ........... 437
Front passenger’s seat belt ...439
Low engine oil pressure ........437
Low fuel level ........................439
Low washer fluid ...................439
Malfunction indicator lamp ....437
Open door .............................439
SRS .......................................437
Tire pressure .........................439
VSC OFF...............................437
Washer
Checking ...............................387
Preparing and checking before winter .......................213
Switch............................163, 165
Washing and waxing ...............356
Weight Cargo capacity ......................203
Load limits .............................211
Weight ...................................470
Wheels ......................................398
Window glasses ..................76, 79
Window lock switch ...................77
Windows Power back window ................79
Power windows .......................76
Rear window defogger ..........240
Washer ..........................163, 165
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