TOYOTA AVENSIS 2015 Owners Manual

1914-1. Before driving
4
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi- culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the
vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-
tor pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: →P. 509
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( →P. 220)
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 191 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1924-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
●Vehicles with Multidrive: Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift
lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
● Vehicles with Multidrive: Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is
moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving
backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is
selected.
● Vehicles with Multidrive: Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the
accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P may lead to unexpected rapid
acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 192 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ If you hear a squealing or scrapi ng noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another dul y qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brakes only: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow
enhanced front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly
than conventional brake discs. Theref ore, when replacing the brake pads,
Toyota recommends that you also have the thickness of the discs mea-
sured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P (vehicles with Multidrive) or N, the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
● Vehicles with Multidrive: In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle
rolling away, always keep depressing the brake pedal while the engine is
running, and apply the parking brake as necessary.
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
● Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 193 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1944-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a
fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s
electrical components.
● Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
● Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place
containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-
cle.
● Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a
metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause
the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.
● Always shift the shift lever to P (vehicles with Multidrive), apply the parking
brake, stop the engine and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
● Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 194 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off.
Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or depress the accelera-
tor pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to engine overheating.
Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health
hazard.
■ When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
● If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other
vehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
● Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted
brakes.
● The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance will
increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 195 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1964-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)NOTICE
■
When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the engine output.
● Vehicles with Multidrive:
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals
at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
● Vehicles with manual transmission:
Observe the following precautions to prevent damage to the clutch, trans-
mission and gears.
• Do not shift gears unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. After shift-
ing, do not release the clutch abruptly.
• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving.
• Do not use any gears other than the first gear when starting off and moving forward.
• Do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle when stopping on an uphill grade.
• Do not shift into R when the vehicle is still moving.
■ When parking the vehicle (vehicles with Multidrive)
Always shift the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is
accidentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, dr ive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
● Diesel engine only: Make sure to idle the engine immediately after high-
speed driving or hill climbing. Stop the engine only after the turbocharger
has cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the turbocharger.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 196 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)NOTICE
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
● The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. ( →P. 544, 560)
■ When encountering 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 any authorized Toyota deale r or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional 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.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 197 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1984-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried in the trunk/luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk/luggage com-
partment.
●Receptacles containing gasoline
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may re sult in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk/luggage compartment whenever pos-
sible.
● Sedan: To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking,
do not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as possible.
● Wagon: Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
● When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
● 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.
● Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• 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.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 198 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
● Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deteriorati on of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 199 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM

2004-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE)
Trailer towing
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (→P. 596)
◆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.
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety
and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional, for further details
before towing, as there are additional legal requirements in
some countries.
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C20E_(EE).book Page 200 Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:47 PM