Driving on snow or ice
For driving in deep snow, you may need to fit snow tires or snow chains. If winter tires are required, choose standard type and size tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle. Driving at high speed, hard acceleration, hard braking or hard cornering is very dangerous. If braking is necessary, use engine braking as much as possible. Sudden braking on snowy and icy roads can cause your vehicle to skid. It is necessary to keep a distance from the car in front and gently press the brake pedal.
It should be noted that the installation of snow chains provides greater cross-country ability, but does not prevent side skids.
Note. The use of snow chains may be prohibited in some regions (countries).
Use of engine coolant
Use only coolant «Toyota Super Long Life Coolant» (Toyota Ultra Long Life Coolant) or equivalent high quality ethylene glycol type fluid free of silicates, amines, nitrites and borates, based on hybrid organic acids and having a long service life. Long life hybrid organic acid coolant is a combination of organic acids with a low phosphate content.
Coolant «Toyota Super Long Life Coolant» (Toyota Ultra Long Life Coolant) is a mixture containing 50% refrigerant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides protection down to approximately -35°C.
Check the condition of the battery and cables
Low temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in the best possible condition to provide enough power to start in the winter. Your Toyota dealer, as well as most service stations, will be happy to check the charge level.
Make sure the viscosity of the engine oil is suitable for cold weather
Using heavy summer oil in your vehicle during the winter months can make it difficult to start the engine.
Protect door locks from freezing
Inject lock deicer or glycerin into locks to keep them from freezing.
Use windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze solution
These products are available from your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Refer to manufacturer's instructions for mixing ratio information with water.
Do not use the parking brake if it is likely to freeze
When parking, set the transmission to «R» (Automatic transmission), or engage first or reverse gear (Manual Transmission) and place chocks under the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake because snow or water that has accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it difficult to release.
Prevent ice and snow from accumulating under wings
Ice and snow accumulated under the wings can make steering difficult. When driving in winter, periodically stop and check the condition of the surfaces under the fenders.
Emergency Equipment
Depending on the severity of the operating conditions in the region where you use the vehicle, you must have emergency equipment. You may need snow chains, tow ropes (chains), signal lights, shovel, special wires (to start the engine from an external source of electrical energy), glass scraper, gloves, bedding, covers, blanket, etc.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, or sand, shift into second gear and try to move the vehicle off by gently depressing the accelerator pedal. If necessary, you can turn on the first gear. Use the accelerator pedal carefully so as not to cause intense slippage of the front drive wheels.
To free the vehicle, use suitable means at hand to prevent the drive wheels from spinning (snow chains, sand, gravel, etc.).