DRIVING TOYOTA VERSO 2011 Owners Manual

277 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
CAUTION
Roof luggage carrier precautions (if equipped)
To use the roof rails as a roof luggage carrier, you must fit the roof rails with
two or more genuine Toyota cross rails or their equivalent.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions when installing the
cross rails or their equivalent.
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the front
and rear axles.
If loading long or wide cargo never exceed the vehicle overall length or
width.
Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof lug-
gage carrier.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in
death or serious injury.
If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the
vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its
place.
Do not exceed 100 kg (221 lb.) cargo weight on the roof rails. However, if
the allowable cargo weight of the cross rails is under 100 kg (221 lb.)
observe the load limit and other instructions for the cross rails.

278
2-5. Driving information
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
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.

279 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
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 the 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 accumulated 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 road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or to “1” or “R” (manual transmission)
without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze
up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the
wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

280 2-5. Driving information
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
30 mm (1.18 in.) in length
Cross chain
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-
ing chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
Tire chains
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 the chains on the
rear tires.
Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.

281 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
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 tire inflation pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Driving with tire 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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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.

282
2-5. Driving information
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cau-
tious 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 condi-
tions.
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 tow-
ing, as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible drawbar load before towing. (P. 542)
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.

283 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
(P. 542)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 542)

284 2-5. Driving information
VERSO_WE_OM64524EInformation tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
Gross vehicle mass
Vehicle category M1 models
*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models
*
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, towing
hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load must not exceed the
gross vehicle mass. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
Vehicle category M1 models
*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.
Vehicle category N1 models
*
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle capacity. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.

285 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VERSO_WE_OM64524E
*: To distinguish the vehicle category, ask any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Installation positions* for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
461 mm (18.1 in.)
461 mm (18.1 in.)
CAUTION
Vehicle category M1 models*: When the gross vehicle mass limit or
maximum permissible axle capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.

286 2-5. Driving information
VERSO_WE_OM64524E826 mm (32.5 in.)
497 mm (19.6 in.)
362 mm (14.3 in.)
297 mm (11.7 in.)
355 mm (14.0 in.)
1
365 mm (14.4 in.)2
354 mm (13.9 in.)1,3
366 mm (14.4 in.)2,3
14 mm (0.6 in.)
*
:Gross vehicle mass and standard tire size1:205/60R16 tires2:215/55R17 tires3:Vehicle category N1 models (Denmark)
To distinguish the vehicle category, ask any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Tire information
Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. (P. 560)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.