Tips for driving in various conditions

Starting and driving / Tips for driving in various conditions

• Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.This will allow you much better control.
• Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible,at a right angle. Avoid drivingonto high, sharp−edged objects andother road hazards. Failure to do socan lead to severe tire damage suchas a tire burst.
• Drive slowly when passing over bumpsor travelling on a bumpy road. Otherwise,the impact could cause severedamage to the tires and/or wheels.
• When parking on a hill, turn the frontwheels until they touch the curb sothat the vehicle will not roll. Apply theparking brake, and put the hybridtransaxle “P”. If necessary, block thewheels.
• Washing your vehicle or driving throughdeep water may get the brakes wet. Tosee whether they are wet, check thatthere is no traffic near you, and thenpress the pedal lightly. If you do notfeel a normal braking force, the brakesare probably wet. To dry them, drivethe vehicle cautiously while lightlypressing the brake pedal with the parkingbrake applied. If they still do notwork safely, pull to the side of the roadand call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

CAUTION

• Before driving off, make sure theparking brake is fully released andthe parking brake reminder light isoff.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattendedwith the “READY” light on.
• Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving. It can causedangerous overheating, needlesswear, and poor fuel economy.
• To drive down a long or steep hill,reduce your speed and downshift.Remember, if you ride the brakesexcessively, they may overheat andnot work properly.
• Be careful when accelerating orbraking on a slippery surface. Suddenacceleration or engine braking,could cause the vehicle to skid orspin.
• Do not drive in excess of the speedlimit. Even if the legal speed limitpermits it, do not drive over 140km/h (85 mph) unless your vehiclehas high−speed capability tires.Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph)may result in tire failure, loss ofcontrol and possible injury. Be sureto consult a tire dealer to determinewhether the tires on your vehicleare high−speed capability tires ornot before driving at such speeds.
• Do not continue normal drivingwhen the brakes are wet. If they arewet, your vehicle will require a longerstopping distance, and it maypull to one side when the brakesare applied. Also, the parking brakewill not hold the vehicle securely.