TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 320)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 865 lb. (390 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

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2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■
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 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.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to the road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the
parking brake. The parking brak e may freeze up, preventing it
from being released. If necessary , block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.

224 2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Selecting tire chainsUse the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Type A (except P225/45R18 tires)
Side chain:
(0.14 in. [3.5 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain: 
(0.16 in. [4.0 mm] in diameter)
Ty p e B Side chain:
0.12 in. (3.0 mm) in diameter
1.18 in. (30.0 mm) in length
0.39 in. (10.0 mm) in width
Cross chain:
0.16 in. (4.0 mm) in diameter
0.98 in. (25.0 mm) in length
0.55 in. (14.0 mm) in width

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of ti re chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k local regulations before installing
chains.
■ Tire 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 front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
rear tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

226 2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified.
● 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.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failure 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, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Scion dealers or legiti-
mate 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.

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2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Trailer towing
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Scion
also does not recommend the installati on of a tow hitch or the use of
a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehi-
cle is not designed for trailer to wing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Dinghy towing (automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

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2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Dinghy towing (manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing:
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart key system 
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position. ( P. 163) 
Vehicles with a smart key system 
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode. ( P. 167)
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices are turned
off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3