brake fluid TOYOTA AVALON 2018 Owners Manual (in English)

1534-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NOTICE
■When encounterin g flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

255
4
Driving
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● 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 specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following accordin g 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 the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

3216-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the battery fluid level and
connections. ( →P. 338)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (→P. 337)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (→P. 334)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→P. 331)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(→P. 336)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→P. 341)

3266-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(→ P. 338)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 337)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( →P. 334)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high
quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( → P. 331)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 362)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 365)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( →P. 336)⎯
Tire inflation
pressure
(→ P. 352)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 341)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

3306-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Engine oil filler cap (→P. 332)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 331)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 337)
Fuse box ( →P. 362)
Battery ( →P. 338) Radiator (
→P. 336)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 336)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 334)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 341)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

3376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.“MAX” line
“MIN” line
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary item.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
1
2
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

3867-2. Steps to take in an emergency
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spon gy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the follow ing symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

3887-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*1
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake booster system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low.
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

4308-1. Specifications
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 112 lbf (500 N,51 kgf) while the engine is running
*2: Parking brake pedal travel when depre ssed with a force of 67 lbf (300 N,
30.6 kgf).
Brakes
Pedal clearance*13.54 in. (90 mm) Min.
Pedal free play 0.04 ⎯ 0.24 in. (1.0 ⎯ 6.0 mm)
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake lining wear limit 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake pedal travel*27 ⎯ 10 clicks
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
Steering
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)

479Alphabetical index
Back-up lightsReplacing light bulbs............. 374
Wattage ................................ 432
Battery ...................................... 338 Battery checking ................... 338
If the vehicle battery
is discharged ...................... 414
Preparing and checking
before winter....................... 255
Warning light ......................... 388
Brake
Fluid ...................................... 337
Parking brake........................ 172
Warning light ......................... 388
Brake assist ............................. 250
Break-in tips ............................. 146
Brightness control Instrument panel light control................................... 80
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ....... 239 Care .................................. 312, 316
Aluminum wheels ................. 313
Exterior ................................. 312
Interior .................................. 316
Seat belts.............................. 317
Cargo capacity......................... 157
Cargo net.................................. 283
Chains ...................................... 256
Child restraint system............... 53 Booster seats, definition ......... 54
Booster seats, installation....... 63
Convertible seats, definition ... 54
Convertible seats, installation ............................ 60
Front passenger occupant classification system ............ 46
Infant seats, definition............. 54
Infant seats, installation .......... 60
Installing CRS with LATCH anchors ............ 58
Installing CRS with seat belts...................................... 60
Installing CRS
with top tether strap.............. 64
BC
*: Refer to the “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.