snow chains TOYOTA TACOMA 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

188 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with pothol es or roads with uneven roads
■ When VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care-
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ If the hill-start assist contro l does not operate effectively
The hill start assist control may not operate effectively on steep inclines and
roads covered in ice.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the
vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

201
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 rear 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, scrape an outside rear
view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mir-
ror 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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.

202 2-5. Driving information
Selecting tire chainsUse the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
0.2 in. (5 mm) in diameter
Cross chain
0.25 in. (6.3 mm) in diameter
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Install the chains on the rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
If the parking brake is set, it may freeze up, preventing it from
being released.
Stop the vehicle and move the shift lever to P if an automatic
transmission, or move it to 1 wh en the vehicle is facing uphill or
R when facing downhill if a manu al transmission then place the
wheel blocks without applying the parking brake.

203
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
front tires.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
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 air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
● 4WD models:
Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.
■ Driving with snow 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 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

204 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■When parking the vehicle
Always use wheel blocks when parking without the parking brake. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to move, resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers or
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly\
when tire chains are fitted.

430 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the engine switch is turned to the ON position, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■ After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. ( P. 361)
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features P. 493)

515
Alphabetical index
Tire information
Glossary ............................... 487
Size ...................................... 484
Tire identification number ..... 483
Uniform tire quality grading .. 485
Tires Chains .................................. 202
Checking .............................. 373
If you have a flat tire ............. 433
Identification number ............ 483
Inflation pressure .................. 475
Inflation pressure sensor ...... 374
Information ........................... 482
Replacing ..................... 373, 433
Rotating tires ........................ 373
Size ...................................... 475
Snow tires............................. 203
Spare tire .............................. 438
Tire pressure warning reset switch ........................ 375
Tire pressure warning system........................ 373, 430
Warning light ........................ 427
Tools................................. 433, 434
Total load capacity .................. 199
Towing Bumper towing ..................... 210
Dinghy towing ....................... 218
Emergency towing ................ 414
Fifth wheel trailer .................. 210
Trailer towing ........................ 205
Traction control system ......... 184
TRAC ........................................ 184
Trip meter................................. 151
Turn signal lights
Lever .................................... 147
Replacing light bulbs ............ 408
Switch ................................... 147
Wattage ................................ 478 Valet key .....................................30
Vanity mirrors...........................306
Vehicle identification
number ...................................465
Vehicle stability control...........184
VSC............................................184
Warning buzzers
Key reminder .........................429
Brake system ........................424
Seat belt reminder .........427, 428
Warning lights ABS .......................................426
Airbag system .......................426
Anti-lock brake system ..........426
Automatic transmission fluid
temperature ........................426
Brake system ........................424
Charging system .... ...............425
Driver’s seat belt ...................427
Electronic engine control system ................................425
Engine oil replacement..........428
Front passenger occupant classification system ........... 426
Front passenger’s seat belt ...427
Low brake fluid ......................424
Low engine oil pressure ........425
Low fuel level ........................427
Low tire inflation pressure .....427
Malfunction indicator lamp ....425
Open door .............................427
Seat belt ................................427
Seat belt pretensioner system ................................426
SRS .......................................426
SRS airbag system ...............426
Tire pressure .........................427
Tire pressure warning system ................................427
VSC/TRAC ............................426V
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