Get Driving -> Driving tips Guide for Toyota Rav4 SUV 2020

363

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■EPS operation sound

while the vehicle is in motion. How-

ever, the system does not operate in

any of the following situations.

When the steering wheel is oper-

ated, a motor sound (whirring

sound) may be heard. This does not

indicate a malfunction.

●The vehicle speed is below 6 mph

(10 km/h)

●Components are damaged

■Automatic reactivation of

TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and

VSC systems

■Secondary Collision Brake

automatic cancellation

After turning the TRAC, Trailer

The system is automatically can-

celed in any of the following situa-

tions.

Sway Control and VSC systems off,

the systems will be automatically re-

enabled in the following situations:

●The vehicle speed drops below

approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)

●When the engine switch is turned

off.

●A certain amount of time elapses

during operation

●If only the TRAC system is turned

off, the TRAC will turn on when

vehicle speed increases.

If both the TRAC and VSC sys-

tems are turned off, automatic re-

enabling will not occur when vehi-

cle speed increases.

●The accelerator pedal is

depressed a large amount

4

■Operating conditions of Active

Cornering Assist

The system operates when the fol-

lowing occurs.

●TRAC/VSC can operate

●The driver is attempting to accel-

erate while turning

●The system detects that the vehi-

cle is drifting to the outer side

●The brake pedal is released

■Reduced effectiveness of the

EPS system

The effectiveness of the EPS sys-

tem is reduced to prevent the sys-

tem from overheating when there is

frequent steering input over an

extended period of time. The steer-

ing wheel may feel heavy as a

result. Should this occur, refrain

from excessive steering input or

stop the vehicle and turn the engine

off. The EPS system should return

to normal within 10 minutes.

■Secondary Collision Brake

operating conditions

The system operates when the SRS

airbag sensor detects a collision

364

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■If a message about AWD is shown on the multi-information display

(AWD models)

Perform the following actions.

Message

Details/Actions

AWD system is overheating.

 Perform the following actions.

• Reduce the vehicle speed until the message

disappears.

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the

“AWD System Over-

heated Switching to

2WD Mode”

*

engine idle.

Once the display message on the multi-informa-

tion display turns off, there is no problem continu-

ing to drive.

If the message does not disappear, have your

vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immedi-

ately.

The vehicle switched from all-wheel drive (AWD)

to front wheel drive due to overheating.

 Perform the following actions.

• Reduce the vehicle speed until the message

disappears.

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the

“AWD System Over-

heated 2WD Mode

Engaged”

*

engine idle.

Once the display message on the multi-informa-

tion display turns off, the AWD system returns to

normal.

If the message does not disappear, have your

vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immedi-

ately.

“AWD System Malfunc-

tion 2WD Mode

Engaged Visit Your

Dealer”

A malfunction occurred in the AWD system.

 Have your vehicle checked by your Toyota

dealer immediately.

*

: After stopping the vehicle, do not stop the engine until the display mes-

sage has turned off.

365

4-5. Using the driving support systems

●When Active Cornering Assist

WARNING

frequently operates, Active Cor-

nering Assist may temporarily

stop operating to ensure proper

operation of the brakes, TRAC

and VSC.

■The ABS does not operate

effectively when

●The limits of tire gripping perfor-

mance have been exceeded

(such as excessively worn tires

on a snow covered road).

■Hill-start assist control does

not operate effectively when

●The vehicle hydroplanes while

driving at high speed on wet or

slick roads.

●Do not overly rely on hill-start

assist control. Hill-start assist

control may not operate effec-

tively on steep inclines and

roads covered with ice.

■Stopping distance when the

ABS is operating may exceed

that of normal conditions

●Unlike the parking brake, hill-

start assist control is not

intended to hold the vehicle sta-

tionary for an extended period

of time. Do not attempt to use

hill-start assist control to hold

the vehicle on an incline, as

doing so may lead to an acci-

dent.

The ABS is not designed to

shorten the vehicle’s stopping dis-

tance. Always maintain a safe dis-

tance from the vehicle in front of

you, especially in the following sit-

uations:

4

●When driving on dirt, gravel or

snow-covered roads

■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer

Sway Control is activated

●When driving with tire chains

The slip indicator light flashes.

Always drive carefully. Reckless

driving may cause an accident.

Exercise particular care when the

indicator light flashes.

●When driving over bumps in the

road

●When driving over roads with

potholes or uneven surfaces

■TRAC/VSC may not operate

■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer

Sway Control systems are

turned off

effectively when

Directional control and power may

not be achievable while driving on

slippery road surfaces, even if the

TRAC/VSC system is operating.

Drive the vehicle carefully in con-

ditions where stability and power

may be lost.

Be especially careful and drive at

a speed appropriate to the road

conditions. As these are the sys-

tems to help ensure vehicle stabil-

ity and driving force, do not turn

the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-

trol systems off unless necessary.

■Active Cornering Assist does

not operate effectively when

Trailer Sway Control is part of the

VSC system and will not operate

if VSC is turned off or experiences

a malfunction.

●Do not overly rely on Active

Cornering Assist. Active Corner-

ing Assist may not operate

effectively when accelerating

down slopes or driving on slip-

pery road surfaces.

366

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■If trailer sway occurs

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions.

■Dynamic Torque Vectoring

AWD system (if equipped)

Failing to do so may cause death

or serious injury.

The cornering performance of the

newly developed AWD system

has been improved. However, do

not overly rely on the system and

drive with caution.

●Firmly grip the steering wheel.

Steer straight ahead. Do not try

to control trailer swaying by

turning the steering wheel.

■Replacing tires

●Begin releasing the accelerator

pedal immediately but very

gradually to reduce speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not

apply vehicle brakes.

Make sure that all tires are of the

specified size, brand, tread pat-

tern and total load capacity. In

addition, make sure that the tires

are inflated to the recommended

tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and VSC/Trailer

Sway Control systems will not

function correctly if different tires

are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your Toyota dealer for fur-

ther information when replacing

tires or wheels.

If you make no extreme correction

with the steering or brakes, your

vehicle and trailer should stabi-

lize. (P.179)

■Secondary Collision Brake

Do not rely solely upon the Sec-

ondary Collision Brake. This sys-

tem is designed to help reduce

the possibility of further damage

due to a secondary collision, how-

ever, that effect changes accord-

ing to various conditions. Overly

relying on the system may result

in death or serious injury.

■Handling of tires and the sus-

pension

Using tires with any kind of prob-

lem or modifying the suspension

will affect the driving assist sys-

tems, and may cause a system to

malfunction.

■Trailer Sway Control precau-

tion

The Trailer Sway Control system

is not able to reduce trailer sway

in all situations. Depending on

many factors such as the condi-

tions of the vehicle, trailer, road

surface and driving environment,

the Trailer Sway Control system

may not be effective. Refer to

your trailer owner’s manual for

information on how to tow your

trailer properly.

367

4-6. Driving tips

4-6.Driving tips

●Maintain the recommended

level of air pressure.

Winter driving tips

●Do not drive in excess of 75

Carry out the necessary

preparations and inspec-

tions before driving the

vehicle in winter. Always

drive the vehicle in a man-

ner appropriate to the pre-

vailing weather conditions.

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

(except 235/55R19 tires)

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.

Pre-winter preparations

 Use fluids that are appropriate

to the prevailing outside tem-

peratures.

●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.

4

• Engine oil

• Engine coolant

• Washer fluid

●Avoid driving on bumpy road

surfaces or over potholes.

 Have a service technician

inspect the condition of the

battery.

●Avoid sudden acceleration,

abrupt steering, sudden brak-

ing and shifting operations that

cause sudden engine braking.

 Have the vehicle fitted with

four snow tires or purchase a

set of tire chains for the front

●Slow down sufficiently before

entering a curve to ensure that

vehicle control is maintained.

tires.^*

●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing

Assist) system.

Ensure that all tires are the same

size and brand, and that chains

match the size of the tires.

*

NOTICE

: Tire chains cannot be mounted

on vehicles with 235/55R19 tires.

■Repairing or replacing snow

tires (vehicles with tire pres-

sure warning system)

WARNING

Request repairs or replacement of

snow tires from your Toyota

dealer or legitimate tire retailers.

This is because the removal and

attachment of snow tires affects

the operation of the tire pressure

warning valves and transmitters.

■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 specified size.

368

4-6. Driving tips

ting the parking brake. The

parking brake may freeze up,

preventing it from being

released. If the vehicle is

parked without setting the

parking brake, make sure to

block the wheels.

Failure to do so may be dan-

gerous because it may cause

the vehicle to move unexpect-

edly, possibly leading to an

accident.

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 wind-

shield.

When the parking brake is in

automatic mode, release the

parking brake after shifting

the shift lever to P. (P.203)

 If the vehicle is left parked

with the brakes damp in cold

temperatures, there is a pos-

sibility of the brakes freezing.

 Check for and remove any

excess ice or snow that may

have accumulated on the

exterior lights, vehicle’s roof,

chassis, around the tires or on

the brakes.

 If the vehicle is parked without

setting the parking brake,

confirm that the shift lever

cannot be moved out of P^*

.

 Remove any snow or mud

from the bottom of your shoes

before getting in the vehicle.

*

: The shift lever will be locked if it is

attempted to be shifted from P to

any other position without

depressing the brake pedal. If the

shift lever can be shifted from P,

there may be a problem with the

shift lock system. Have the vehi-

cle inspected by your Toyota

dealer immediately.

When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly,

keep a safe distance between

you and the vehicle ahead, 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 without set-

369

4-6. Driving tips

instead.

WARNING

■When parking the vehicle

Regulations on the use of

tire chains (except

235/55R19 tires)

When parking the vehicle without

applying the parking brake, make

sure to chock the wheels. If you

do not chock the wheels, the vehi-

cle may move unexpectedly, pos-

sibly resulting in an accident.

Regulations regarding the use

of tire chains vary depending on

location and type of road.

Always check local regulations

before installing chains.

Selecting tire chains

 Vehicles without 235/55R19

tires

■Tire chain installation

Use the correct tire chain size

when mounting the tire chains.

Chain size is regulated for each

tire size.

Observe the following precautions

when installing and removing

chains:

4

●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.

Side chain:

NOTICE

A

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

■Fitting tire chains (vehicles

with tire pressure warning

system)

B

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

C

1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

The tire pressure warning valves

and transmitters may not function

correctly when tire chains are fit-

ted.

Cross chain:

D

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

E

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

F

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

 Vehicles with 235/55R19 tires

Tire chains cannot be mounted.

Snow tires should be used

370

4-6. Driving tips

Utility vehicle precau-

tions

WARNING

■Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

This vehicle belongs to the

utility vehicle class, which

has higher ground clear-

ance and narrower tread in

relation to the height of its

center of gravity to make it

capable of performing in a

wide variety of off-road

applications.

●In a rollover crash, an unbelted

person is significantly more

likely to die than a person wear-

ing a seat belt. Therefore, the

driver and all passengers

should always fasten their seat

belts.

●Avoid sharp turns or abrupt

maneuvers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle

correctly may result in loss of

control or vehicle rollover caus-

ing death or serious injury.

Utility vehicle feature

 Specific design characteris-

tics give it a higher center of

gravity than ordinary passen-

ger cars. This vehicle design

feature causes this type of

vehicle to be more likely to

rollover. And, utility vehicles

have a significantly higher

rollover rate than other types

of vehicles.

●Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier (if equipped) will

make the center of the vehicle

gravity higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp

turns, sudden braking or abrupt

maneuvers, otherwise it may

result in loss of control or vehi-

cle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly.

●Always slow down in gusty

crosswinds. Because of its pro-

file and higher center of gravity,

your vehicle is more sensitive to

side winds than an ordinary

passenger car. Slowing down

will allow you to have better

control.

 An advantage of the higher

ground clearance is a better

view of the road allowing you

to anticipate problems.

 It is not designed for corner-

ing at the same speeds as

ordinary passenger cars any

more than low-slung sports

cars are designed to perform

satisfactorily under off-road

conditions. Therefore, sharp

turns at excessive speeds

may cause the vehicle to roll-

over.

●Do not drive horizontally across

steep slopes. Driving straight up

or straight down is preferred.

Your vehicle (or any similar off-

road vehicle) can tip over side-

ways much more easily than

forward or backward.

Off-road driving

When driving your vehicle off-

371

4-6. Driving tips

• State and Local Parks and Recre-

ation Departments

• State Motor Vehicle Bureau

• Recreational Vehicle Clubs

• U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of

Land Management

road, please observe the follow-

ing precautions to ensure your

driving enjoyment and to help

prevent the closure of areas to

off-road vehicles:

 Drive your vehicle only in

areas where off-road vehicles

are permitted to travel.

WARNING

■Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

 Respect private property. Get

owner’s permission before

entering private property.

●Drive carefully when off the

road. Do not take unnecessary

risks by driving in dangerous

places.

 Do not enter areas that are

closed. Honor gates, barriers

and signs that restrict travel.

●Do not grip the steering wheel

spokes when driving off-road. A

bad bump could jerk the wheel

and injure your hands. Keep

both hands and especially your

thumbs on the outside of the

rim.

4

 Stay on established roads.

When conditions are wet,

driving techniques should be

changed or travel delayed to

prevent damage to roads.

●Always check your brakes for

effectiveness immediately after

driving in sand, mud, water or

snow.

■Additional information for off-

road driving

 For owners in U.S. mainland,

Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

●After driving through tall grass,

mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc.,

check that there is no grass,

bush, paper, rags, stone, sand,

etc. adhering or trapped on the

underbody. Clear off any such

matter from the underbody. If

the vehicle is used with these

materials trapped or adhering to

the underbody, a breakdown or

fire could occur.

To obtain additional information per-

taining to driving your vehicle off-

road, consult the following organiza-

tions:

372

4-6. Driving tips

WARNING

■Inspection after off-road driv-

ing

●When driving off-road or in rug-

ged terrain, do not drive at

excessive speeds, jump, make

sharp turns, strike objects, etc.

This may cause loss of control

or vehicle rollover causing

death or serious injury. You are

also risking expensive damage

to your vehicle’s suspension

and chassis.

●Sand and mud that has accu-

mulated around brake discs

may affect braking efficiency

and may damage brake system

components.

●Always perform a maintenance

inspection after each day of off-

road driving that has taken you

through rough terrain, sand,

mud, or water. For scheduled

maintenance information, refer

to the “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual

Supplement”.

NOTICE

■To prevent the water damage

Take all necessary safety mea-

sures to ensure that water dam-

age to the engine or other

components does not occur.

●Water entering the engine air

intake will cause severe engine

damage.

●Water entering the automatic

transmission will cause deterio-

ration in shift quality, locking up

of your transmission accompa-

nied by vibration, and ultimately

damage.

●Water can wash the grease

from wheel bearings, causing

rusting and premature failure,

and may also enter the differen-

tials, transmission and transfer

case (AWD models), reducing

the gear oil’s lubricating quali-

ties.

■When you drive through

water

If driving through water, such as

when crossing shallow streams,

first check the depth of the water

and the bottom of the riverbed for

firmness. Drive slowly and avoid

deep water.

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