tire type TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G User Guide

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
The tires on your Toyota have built−in
treadwear indicators to help you know
when the tires need replacement.
When the tread depth wears to 1.6
mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators
will appear. If you can see the indica-
tors in two or more adjacent grooves,
the tire should be replaced. The lower
the tread, the higher the risk of skid-
ding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is
lost if the tread wears down below
4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as
cuts, splits, cracks deep e nough to
expose the fabric, or bulges indi-
cating internal damage, the tire
should be repl aced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be
properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage, it
should be replaced. If you are not
sure, consult with your Toyota dealer. If air loss occurs while driving, do not
continue driving. Driving even a short
distance can damage a tire beyond
repair.
An y ti res wh i ch are over 6 years
old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not
obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This applies also to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use a tire of
the same size and construction,
and the same or greater maximum
load as the originally installed
tires. Also, on fourwheel drive
models, all the tires must be the
same brand and have the same
tread patterns.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.
Check that the maximum load of the
replaced 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 Cer-
tification Label.

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For details about the side wall of the
tire and the Certification Label, see
pages 321 and 324.
CAUTION
Observe the following instruc-
tions. Otherwise, an accident
may occur resulting in death or
serious injuries.
Do not mix radial, bias belted,
or biasply tires on your ve-
hicle, as this may cause dan-
gerous handling characteris-
tics resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the
manufacturer’s recommended
size, as this may cause danger-
ous handling characteristics
resulting in loss of control.
Fourwheel drive models:
Do not use tires of different
brands, sizes, construction or
tread patterns, as this may
cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in
loss of control.
Toyota recommends all four tires,
or at least both of the front or rear
tires be replaced at a time as a set.
See “If you have a flat tire” on page
361 in Section 4 for tire change proce-
dure.
When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-
hicle handling and tire life. Wheels
can get out of balance with regular
use and should therefore be balanced
occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the
air valve should also be repl aced
w i t h a new on e.
With a spare tire of the same
wheel type as the installed tires
Rotating tires

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With a spare tire of different
wheel type from the installed
tiresTo equalize tire wear and help ex-
tend tire life, Toyota recommends
that you rotate your tires accord-
ing to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance infor-
mation, please refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Own-
er’s Manual Supplement”.)
However, the most appropriate tim-
ing for tire rotation may vary ac-
cording to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
See “If you have a flat tire” on page
361 in Section 4 for tire change proce-
dure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out
−
of −balance wheels, or severe braking.
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the originally installed tires.
Also, on fourwheel drive models, all
the tires must be the same brand and
have the same tread patterns.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions.
Otherwise, an accident may occur re-
sulting in death or serious injuries.
Do not use snow tires other than
the manufacturer ’s recommended si-
ze, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in
loss of control.
Installing snow tires and
chains

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Fourwheel drive models:
Do not use snow tires of different
brands, sizes, construction or tread
patterns, as this may cause danger-
ous handling characteristics result-
ing in loss of control.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires, which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
Side chain
Cross chain
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For 215/70R16, 225/65R17 and 235/55R18
tires, use the following type chains.
mm (in.)
A Diameter of side chain 3 (0.12)
B Width of side chain 10 (0.39)
C Length of side chain 30 (1.18)
D Diameter of cross chain 4 (0.16)
E Width of cross chain 14 (0.55)
F Length of cross chain 25 (0.98)
Regulations regarding the use of tire
chains vary according to location or
type of road, so always check local reg-
ulations before installing chains.
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and
chain is used, the chains could dam-
age the vehicle body.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the rear tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove
the covers before putting on the chains.

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CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer ’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which may
cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
When driving with chains installed,
be sure to drive carefully. Slow
down before entering curves to
avoid losing control of the vehicle.
Otherwise an accident may occur.
As you might have difficulty in identify-
ing a flat or deflated tire, a tire pres-
sure warning system is provided on
this vehicle.
When replacing the wheels, be sure to
install tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters on the wheels. Consult your
Toyota dealer about how to set up the tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters.
CAUTION
Have the tires, wheels or tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmit-
ters replaced and ID codes regis-
tered by Toyota dealer. If you need
tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, purchase from Toyota
dealer.
The tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter nuts should always be
tightened to a torque of 4 N·m (0.4
kgf·m, 2.9 ft·lbf).
The use of nongenuine wheels may
result in the system failure or air
leak.
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel,
the tire may slip off the wheel or cause
loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should be
taken to ensure that the wheels are re-
placed by ones with the same load ca-
pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available
at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may
adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-
eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-
ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Replacing wheels

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Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened may
have structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner
tube in a leaking wheel which is designed
for a tubeless tire.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions.
Otherwise, an accident may occur re-
sulting in death or serious injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the
manufacturer ’s recommended size,
as this may cause dangerous han-
dling characteristics resulting in
loss of control.
Fourwheel drive models:
Do not use wheels of different
brands, sizes and types, as this
may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of
control.
When installing aluminum wheels,
check that the wheel nuts are tight
after driving your vehicle the first 1600
km (1000 miles).
If you have rotated, repaired, or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving
1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not
to damage the aluminum wheels.
Use only Toyota wheel nuts and
wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only
Toyota balance weights or equivalent
and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check
your aluminum wheels for damage. If
damaged, replace immediately.
Aluminum wheel precautions

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Tilt steering wheel108
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system
Tire pressure warning light 163
. . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 163 . . . . . . .
Tires
Changing 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing 410
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation pressure 408,433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 412
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Size 326,433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires and chains 413
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Identification Number (TIN) 325 . . . . . .
Tools 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g
Capacity 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing eyelet precautions 377
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . .
Installing front towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . .
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle 378 . . . . . . .
Trailer 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signals 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U
Uniform tire quality grading 326,327 . . . . . . . .
Utility vehicle precautions 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Vanity mirrors 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification number 321
. . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 155,157 . . . .
Vehicle stability control system/traction control system
warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid
Adding washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 383
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels
Aluminum wheel 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper de −icer 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Publication No. OM42726U
Part No. 01999-42726
Printed in Japan 01−0802 −00
I
 ( U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 129 . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
 If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during break −in period 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
 General maintenance 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
 Complete index 443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher
See page 309 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 gal., 13.2 Imp. gal.)
Engine oil:
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recommended.
See page 405 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 408 through 416.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 433.
U1