Toyota RAV4: Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity
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.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Observe 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 suitable to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P 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.
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity. ■ Total load capacity: Without third seat 825 lb. (375 kg) With third seat 1155 lb. (5 ...Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains. Chain size is regulated for each tire size. Side chain 1. 0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter 2. 0.39 in. (10 mm) in width 3, 1.18 in. (30 ...See also:
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a ro ...
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature moves the seat rearward allowing the driver more room to exit the
vehicle.
To activate, turn the ignition off and open the driver door. If the driver door
is already open, turning th ...
Sport mode
The transmission will stay in the lower gears
for longer, improving mid-range performance.
To deselect Sport mode, move the selector
back to D. ...