Toyota RAV4 Prime (2023 year). Manual in english

403

5-5. Using the driving support systems

ing



P.380

■

The Parking Support Brake

function (rear-crossing vehi-

cles) will operate when

The function will operate when the

PKSB OFF indicator is not illumi-

nated (



P.168, 170) and all of the

following conditions are met:

●

Hybrid system output restriction

control

• The Parking Support Brake is

enabled.

• The vehicle speed is approxi-

mately 9 mph (15 km/h) or less.

• Vehicles are approaching from the

right or left at the rear of the vehi-

cle at a traveling speed of approx-

imately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more.

• The shift lever is in R.

• The Parking Support Brake deter-

mines that a stronger than normal

brake operation is necessary to

avoid a collision with an approach-

ing vehicle.

●

Brake control

• Hybrid system output restriction

control is operating

• The Parking Support Brake deter-

mines that an emergency brake

operation is necessary to avoid a

collision with an approaching vehi-

cle.

■

The Parking Support Brake

function (rear-crossing vehi-

cles) will stop operating when

The function will stop operating if

any of the following conditions are

met:

●

Hybrid system output restriction

control

• The Parking Support Brake is dis-

abled.

• The collision becomes avoidable

with normal brake operation.

• A vehicle is no longer approaching

from the right or left at the rear of

the vehicle.

●

Brake control

• The Parking Support Brake is dis-

abled.

• Approximately 2 seconds have

elapsed since the vehicle was

stopped by brake control.

• The brake pedal is depressed

after the vehicle is stopped by

brake control.

• A vehicle is no longer approaching

from the right or left at the rear of

the vehicle.

■

Detection area of the Parking

Support Brake function (rear-

crossing vehicles)

The detection area of the Parking

Support Brake function (rear-cross-

ing vehicles) differs from the detec-

tion area of the RCTA function

(



P.384). Therefore, even if the

RCTA function detects a vehicle

and provides an alert, the Parking

Support Brake function (rear-cross-

ing vehicles) may not start operat-

ing.

■

Situations in which the system

may not operate properly



P.385

■

Situations in which the system

may operate even if there is no

possibility of a collision



P.386

Types of sensors

WARNING

■

To ensure the system can

operate properly



P.380

404

5-5. Using the driving support systems

Eco drive mode

Suitable for driving to improve fuel
economy by more smoothly gener-
ating torque in response to acceler-
ator pedal operations compared to
normal mode and restraining air
conditioning system operations
(heating/cooling).
When the switch is turned to the left
while not in Eco drive mode, the
system switches to Eco drive mode
and the Eco drive mode indicator
illuminates on the multi-information
display.

Normal mode

Suitable for normal driving.
The driving mode returns to normal
mode if the switch is pressed while
in Eco drive mode or sport mode.

Sport mode

Controls the steering feeling and
hybrid system to create an acceler-
ation response that is suitable for
sporty driving. Suitable for when
crisp handling is desired, such as
when driving on mountainous
roads.
When the switch is turned to the
right while not in sport mode, the
system switches to sport mode and
the sport mode indicator illuminates
on the multi-information display.

■

When the driving mode is

changed

●

The background color of the multi-

information display changes

according to the selected driving

mode.

●

When the speedometer is set to

analog display, the speedometer

display color also changes. (vehi-

cles with 7-inch display)

●

The color of the switch changes

according to the selected driving

mode. (On some models)

■

Air conditioning system opera-

tion in Eco drive mode

In Eco drive mode, heating/cooling

operations and the fan speed is con-

trolled to improve fuel efficiency.

Perform the following procedures to

increase the air conditioning perfor-

mance.

●

Turn eco air conditioning mode off

(



P.423)

●

Adjust the fan speed (



P.423)

●

Cancel Eco drive mode

■

Canceling a driving mode

●

Sport mode is automatically can-

Driving mode select

switch

The driving modes can be
selected to suit the driving
and usage conditions.

Selecting a driving mode

405

5-5. Using the driving support systems

ing

celed and the driving mode

returns to normal mode when the

power switch is turned off.

●

Normal mode and Eco drive mode

are not canceled until another

driving mode is selected. (Even if

the power switch is turned off, nor-

mal mode and Eco drive mode will

not be automatically canceled).

Press the Trail Mode switch.

Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn
the Trail Mode on.
The Trail Mode indicator light will
come on the multi-information dis-
play.
To turn the system off, press the
Trail Mode switch again.

Trail Mode

Trail Mode is designed to
control the spinning of the
drive wheels by integratedly
controlling AWD, brake and
drive force control sys-
tems. Use the Trail Mode
when driving bumpy roads,
etc.

WARNING

■

Before using Trail Mode

Make sure to observe the follow-

ing precautions. Failure to

observe these precautions may

result in an unexpected accident.

●

Trail mode is intended for use

when driving on rough roads.

●

Check that the Trail Mode indi-

cator is illuminated before driv-

ing.

●

Trail Mode is not intended to

expand the limits of the vehicle.

Thoroughly check the road con-

ditions and drive with caution.

Enabling the system

406

5-5. Using the driving support systems

If the tires are spinning, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Trail Mode is controlling the
spinning of the tires.

■

Trail Mode

●

Trail Mode controls the vehicle so

that it can use the maximum

amount of drive force when driving

on rough roads.

As a result, fuel efficiency may
diminish when compared to driving
with Trail Mode off.

●

If Trail Mode is continuously used

for a long period of time, depend-

ing on the driving conditions, the

load on related parts increases

and the system may not function

correctly.

In this case, “Traction Control
Turned OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display but the

vehicle can be driven normally.
The “Traction Control Turned OFF”
on the multi-information display will
turn off after a short while and the
system will operate properly.

■

When Trail Mode is canceled

In the following situations, Trail

Mode is automatically canceled

even if it is selected:

●

When the driving mode is

changed. (



P.404)

●

When the hybrid system is

restarted.

■

Sounds and vibrations when

driving in Trail Mode

Any of the following conditions may

occur when Trail Mode is operating.

None of these indicates that a mal-

function has occurred:

●

Vibrations may be felt throughout

the vehicle or steering wheel

●

Sounds may be heard from the

engine compartment

■

When the Trail Mode indicator

does not illuminate

When the Trail Mode indicator does

not illuminate even though the Trail

Mode switch is pressed, the system

may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

When the Trail Mode is
operating

NOTICE

■

In order to ensure that Trail

Mode operates properly

Do not continuously use the Trail

Mode for a long period of time.

Depending on the driving condi-

tions, the load on related parts

increases and the system may not

operate properly.

407

5-5. Using the driving support systems

ing

■

ECB (Electronically Con-
trolled Brake System)

The electronically controlled
system generates braking force
corresponding to the brake
operation

■

ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem)

Helps to prevent wheel lock
when the brakes are applied
suddenly, or if the brakes are
applied while driving on a slip-
pery road surface

■

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of
braking force after the brake
pedal is depressed when the
system detects a panic stop sit-
uation

■

VSC (Vehicle Stability Con-
trol)

Helps the driver to control skid-
ding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road sur-
faces.

■

Enhanced VSC (Enhanced
Vehicle Stability Control)

Provides cooperative control of
the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional
stability when swerving on slip-
pery road surfaces by con-
trolling steering performance.

■

Trailer Sway Control

Helps the driver to control trailer
sway by selectively applying
brake pressure for individual
wheels and reducing driving
torque when trailer sway is
detected.

■

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power
and prevent the drive wheels
from spinning when starting the
vehicle or accelerating on slip-
pery roads

■

Active Cornering Assist
(ACA)

Helps to prevent the vehicle
from drifting to the outer side by
performing inner wheel brake
control when attempting to
accelerate while turning

■

Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward

Driving assist systems

To keep driving safety and
performance, the following
systems operate automati-
cally in response to various
driving situations. Be
aware, however, that these
systems are supplementary
and should not be relied
upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.

Summary of the driving
assist systems

408

5-5. Using the driving support systems

movement of the vehicle when
starting on an uphill

■

EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing)

Employs an electric motor to
reduce the amount of effort
needed to turn the steering
wheel.

■

E-Four (Electronic On-
Demand AWD system)

Automatically controls the drive
system such as to front-wheel
drive or AWD (all wheel drive)
according to various running
conditions including normal driv-
ing, during cornering, on a
uphill, when starting off, during
acceleration, on a slippery roads
due to snow or rain, thus con-
tributing to stable operability and
driving stability.

■

The Secondary Collision
Brake

When the SRS airbag sensor
detects a collision and the sys-
tem operates, the brakes and
brake lights are automatically
controlled to reduce the vehicle
speed and help reduce the pos-
sibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision.

■

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trail

Mode/Trailer Sway Control sys-

tems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash

while the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trail

Mode/Trailer Sway Control systems

are operating.

■

Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt

or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the hybrid sys-

tem to the wheels.

Pressing

to turn the system off

may make it easier for you to rock
the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

The “Traction Control Turned OFF”

will be shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

Press

again to turn the system

back on.

■

Turning off the

TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-

trol systems

To turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems off, press and hold

for more than 3 seconds while

the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will

come on and the “Traction Control

Turned OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.

Press

again to turn the systems

409

5-5. Using the driving support systems

ing

back on.

: PCS (Pre-Collision System) will

also be disabled (only pre-collision
warning is available). The PCS
warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
(



P.350)

■

When the message is dis-
played on the multi-information
display showing that TRAC has
been disabled even if

has

not been pressed

TRAC is temporary deactivated. If

the information continues to show,

contact your Toyota dealer.

■

Operating conditions of hill-

start assist control

When all of the following conditions

are met, the hill-start assist control

will operate:

●

The shift lever is in a position

other than P or N (when starting

off forward/backward on an

upward incline)

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not

depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged

●

The power switch is in ON

■

Automatic system cancelation

of hill-start assist control

The hill-start assist control will turn

off in any of the following situations:

●

The shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

The accelerator pedal is

depressed

●

The brake pedal is depressed and

the parking brake is engaged

●

A maximum of 2 seconds have

elapsed after the brake pedal is

released

●

The power switch is turned to OFF

■

Sounds and vibrations caused

by the ABS, brake assist, VSC,

Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and

hill-start assist control systems

●

A sound may be heard from the

engine compartment when the

brake pedal is depressed repeat-

edly, when the hybrid system is

started or just after the vehicle

begins to move. This sound does

not indicate that a malfunction has

occurred in any of these systems.

●

Any of the following conditions

may occur when the above sys-

tems are operating. None of these

indicates that a malfunction has

occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the

vehicle body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard also

after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

ECB operating sound

ECB operating sound may be heard

in the following cases, but it does

not indicate that a malfunction has

occurred.

●

Operating sound heard from the

engine compartment when the

brake pedal is operated.

●

Motor sound of the brake system

heard from the front part of the

vehicle when the driver’s door is

opened.

●

Operating sound heard from the

engine compartment when one or

two minutes passed after the stop

of the hybrid system.

■

Active Cornering Assist opera-

tion sounds and vibrations

When the Active Cornering Assist is

operated, operation sounds and

vibrations may be generated from

the brake system, but this is not a

malfunction.

■

Automatic reactivation of

TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and

VSC systems

After turning the TRAC, Trailer

Sway Control and VSC systems off,

410

5-5. Using the driving support systems

the systems will be automatically re-

enabled in the following situations:

●

When the power switch is turned

off

●

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

■

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 hybrid

system 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

while the vehicle is in motion. How-

ever, the system does not operate

when the components are dam-

aged.

■

Secondary Collision Brake

automatic cancellation

The system is automatically can-

celed in any of the following situa-

tions.

●

The vehicle speed drops to

approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)

●

A certain amount of time elapses

during operation

●

The accelerator pedal is

depressed a large amount

■

If a message about AWD is

shown on the multi-information

display (AWD models)

Perform the following actions.

●

“AWD System Overheated

Switching to 2WD Mode”

AWD system is overheated. Stop
the vehicle in a safe place with the
hybrid system operating.

If the message disappears after a
while, there is no problem. If the
message remains, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

●

“AWD System Overheated 2WD

Mode Engaged”

AWD system has been temporarily
released and switched to front-
wheel drive due to overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place with
the hybrid system operating.

If the message disappears after a
while, AWD system will automati-
cally recover. If the message
remains, have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.

●

“AWD System Malfunction 2WD

Mode Engaged Visit Your Dealer”

A malfunction occurs in the AWD
system. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.

: When stopping the vehicle, do not

stop the hybrid system until the
display message has turned off.

411

5-5. Using the driving support systems

ing

WARNING

■

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).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while

driving at high speed on wet or

slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the

ABS is operating may exceed

that of normal conditions

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:

●

When driving on dirt, gravel or

snow-covered roads

●

When driving with tire chains

●

When driving over bumps in the

road

●

When driving over roads with

potholes or uneven surfaces

■

TRAC/VSC may not operate

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.

■

Active Cornering Assist does

not operate effectively when

●

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.

●

When Active Cornering Assist

frequently operates, Active Cor-

nering Assist may temporarily

stop operating to ensure proper

operation of the brakes, TRAC

and VSC.

■

Hill-start assist control does

not operate effectively when

●

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.

●

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.

■

When the

TRAC/ABS/VSC/Trailer Sway

Control is activated

The slip indicator light flashes.

Always drive carefully. Reckless

driving may cause an accident.

Exercise particular care when the

indicator light flashes.

■

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer

Sway Control systems are

turned off

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.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the

VSC system and will not operate

if VSC is turned off or experiences

a malfunction.

412

5-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

Replacing tires

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, VSC and Trailer

Sway Control systems will not

function correctly if different tires

are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your Toyota dealer for

further information when replacing

tires or wheels.

■

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.

■

If trailer sway occurs

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failing to do so may cause death

or serious injury.

●

Firmly grip the steering wheel.

Steer straight ahead. Do not try

to control trailer swaying by

turning the steering wheel.

●

Begin releasing the accelerator

pedal immediately but very

gradually to reduce speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not

apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction
with the steering or brakes, your
vehicle and trailer should stabi-
lize. (



P.293)

■

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.

413

5-6. Driving tips

ing

5-6.Driving tips



Use fluids that are appropriate
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.

• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid



Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the
12-volt battery.



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.

: Tire chains cannot be mounted

on vehicles with 235/55R19 tires.

Winter driving tips

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.

Pre-winter preparations

WARNING

■

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.

●

Maintain the recommended

level of air pressure.

●

Do not drive in excess of 75

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.

●

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.

●

Avoid driving on bumpy road

surfaces or over potholes.

●

Avoid sudden acceleration,

abrupt steering, sudden brak-

ing and shifting operations that

cause sudden engine braking.

●

Slow down sufficiently before

entering a curve to ensure that

vehicle control is maintained.

●

Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing

Assist) system.

414

5-6. Driving tips

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.



Check for and remove any
excess ice or snow that may
have accumulated on the
exterior lights, outside rear
view mirrors, windows, vehi-
cle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.



Remove any snow or mud
from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in 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.



Turn automatic mode of the
parking brake off.
Otherwise, the parking brake
may freeze and not be able to
be released automatically.

Also, avoid using the following as
the parking brake may operate
automatically, even if automatic
mode is off.
• Brake hold system



Park the vehicle and shift the
shift lever to P without setting
the parking brake. The park-
ing brake may freeze up, pre-
venting 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 dangerous because it may
cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly lead-
ing to an accident.



When the parking brake is in
automatic mode, release the
parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. (



P.316)



If the vehicle is parked without
setting the parking brake,

NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing snow

tires (vehicles with tire pres-

sure warning system)

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.

Before driving the vehicle

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

415

5-6. Driving tips

ing

confirm that the shift lever
cannot be moved out of P.



If the vehicle is left parked
with the brakes damp in cold
temperatures, there is a pos-
sibility of the brakes freezing.



Vehicles with 225/60R18 tires

Use the correct tire chain size
when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each
tire size.

Side chain:

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

Cross chain:

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length



Vehicles with 235/55R19 tires

Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used
instead.

Regulations regarding the use
of tire chains vary depending on
location and type of road.
Always check local regulations
before installing chains.

■

Tire chain installation

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 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.

■

Consumption of fuel and elec-

tricity

In cold temperatures, resistance of

the parts of a vehicle (transmission,

tires, etc.) generally increases,

resulting in increase of energy con-

sumption. As a result, fuel economy

is likely to decrease.
Consumption of fuel and electricity

of this vehicle is also likely to

become worse in cold temperatures.

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

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.

Selecting tire chains

Regulations on the use of
tire chains (except
235/55R19 tires)

416

5-6. Driving tips



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.



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.

NOTICE

■

Fitting tire chains (vehicles

with tire pressure warning

system)

The tire pressure warning valves

and transmitters may not function

correctly when tire chains are fit-

ted.

Utility vehicle precau-

tions

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.

Utility vehicle feature

417

5-6. Driving tips

ing

When driving your vehicle off-

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.



Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before
entering private property.



Do not enter areas that are
closed. Honor gates, barriers
and signs that restrict travel.



Stay on established roads.
When conditions are wet,
driving techniques should be
changed or travel delayed to
prevent damage to roads.

■

Additional information for off-

road driving



For owners in U.S. mainland,

Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information per-
taining to driving your vehicle off-
road, consult the following organiza-
tions:

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

●

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.

●

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.

●

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

418

5-6. 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

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the

road. Do not take unnecessary

risks by driving in dangerous

places.

●

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.

●

Always check your brakes for

effectiveness immediately after

driving in sand, mud, water or

snow.

●

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.

●

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.

NOTICE

■

To prevent the water damage

Take all necessary safety mea-

sures to ensure that water dam-

age to the hybrid battery (traction

battery), hybrid system or other

components does not occur.

●

Water entering the engine com-

partment may cause severe

damage to the hybrid system.

●

Water entering the hybrid trans-

mission will cause deterioration

in transmission quality. The

malfunction indicator may come

on, and the vehicle may not be

drivable.

●

Water can wash the grease

from wheel bearings, causing

rusting and premature failure,

and may also enter the hybrid

transaxle case, reducing the

gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

■

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.

Toyota RAV4 Prime (2023 year). Manual in english - page 25