winter tires TOYOTA RAV4 EV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

42 1-1. EV system
■Air conditioning system
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help con-
trol excessive energy consumption. Even when the air conditioning is
on, driving range can be extended by setting it to “ECO LO” or “ECO
HI”, or by turning the A/C off. ( P. 276) If pre-climate (Remote Climate
Control) is operated before departure when the vehicle is plugged in,
depending on air-conditioning specifications, traction battery power
consumption can be reduced. ( P. 53)
Additionally, keep in mind the following during heavy air conditioning
use in summer and winter. In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated mode. Doing so
can help control excessive power consumption.
In winter: By combining use with the seat heater, the set temperature
for the heater can be reduced. This can increase power efficiency.
■ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor power consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor power consumption. Use a tire that is appropri-
ate for the season.
■Luggage
Carrying luggage can lead to poor power consumption. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a roof rack can also cause poor power
consumption.

268
2-5. Driving information
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.
• Motor coolant
• Heater coolant
• Traction battery coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt
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 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 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.
● Do not try to forcibly open the charging port cap if it is frozen.
Melt the ice using a hair dryer, immediately and thoroughly
wiping away any moisture.
● 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.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior li ghts, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.

369
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Tire types
●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.
●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.
●Snow 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 restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( P. 268)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

516 Alphabetical index
Tail lightsReplacing light bulbs ............. 400
Switch.................................... 234
Theft deterrent system Immobilizer system ............... 149
Theft prevention labels............ 151
Tire inflation pressure ............. 374
Tire information Glossary ................................ 494
Size ....................................... 491
Tire identification number ...... 490
Uniform tire quality grading ................................ 492
Tires
Chains ................................... 268
Checking ............................... 366
If you have a flat tire .............. 447
Inflation pressure................... 374
Information ............................ 489
Replacing .............................. 366
Rotating tires ......................... 366
Size ....................................... 488
Snow tires ............................. 268
Tire pressure warning system ........................ 366, 419
Total load capacity................... 267
Towing
Dinghy towing........................ 274
Emergency towing................. 413
Trailer towing......................... 273
Traction control........................ 251
Traction battery coolant Capacity ................................ 485
Checking ............................... 357
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 268
TRAC ......................................... 251 Transmission
P position switch ................... 209
Transmission......................... 206
Trip information ....................... 227
Trip meter ................................. 218
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 400
Switch ................................... 215
Wattage................................. 488
Utility vehicle precautions ...... 258
Vanity lights Vanity lights........................... 305
Wattage................................. 488
Vanity mirrors .......................... 305
Vehicle data recordings ............ 19
Vehicle identification number ................................... 483
Vehicle Stability Control ......... 251
VSC ........................................... 251
Warning buzzers Brake system ........................ 417
Electric power steering system ................................ 418
Key reminder......................... 440
Master warning ..................... 419
Open door ............................. 419
Output control warning .......... 419
Seat belt reminder................. 419T
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