TOYOTA AVENSIS 2013 Owners Manual (in English)

341 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is
intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of
LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system
can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in
front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism
that allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can
assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver
to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has
detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there
is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable
of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely.
For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must
take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all
involved.

342
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the trunk/luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk/luggage compart-
ment.
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk/luggage compartment
whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

343 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item
may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the ped-
als from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the
driver or passengers, causing an accident.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray (sedan)
• Luggage cover (wagon)
• Instrument panel
• Dashboard
• Auxiliary box or tray that has no lid
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure
someone during an accident or sudden braking.
Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk or luggage compartment.
It is not designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their
seat belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suf-
fer death or serious injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerv-
ing or an accident.

344
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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.

345 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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 the 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 accumulated 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” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or “R” (manual transmission) without
setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

346 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3.0 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4.0 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-
ing chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
1
2
ITY25C045
Tire chains
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. Do not install the chains on the
rear tires.
Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.

347 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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 tire inflation pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Driving with tire 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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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.

348
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Trailer towing
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the run-
ning performance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of
your vehicle. Use the vehicle features in the correct manner and
operate the vehicle with care for safer driving and optimal comfort.
Damage and/or malfunctions that occur as a result of towing per-
formed for commercial purposes are not covered by the Toyota war-
ranty.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, for further details before tow-
ing, as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible drawbar load before towing. (P. 720)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.
To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a
trailer. Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related
accidents: driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.

349 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
(P. 720)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion stabilizer (sway control
device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 720)

350 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle
capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.