Tips For Driving In Various Conditions - Toyota Hiace Owner's Manual

In the engine compartment
Coolant level (gasoline engine). Make
sure the coolant level is correct. (See
Section 7−2 for instructions.)
Wiring. Look for damaged, loose, or dis-
connected wires.
Fuel lines. Check the lines for leaks or
loose connections.
AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE
Exhaust system. Listen for any leakage.
Have any leaks fixed immediately. (See
"Engine exhaust cautions" in Section 2.)
Engine oil level. Stop the engine and
check the dipstick with the vehicle parked
on a level spot. (See Section 7−2 for
instructions.)
WHILE DRIVING
Instruments. Make sure the speedometer
and gauges are working.
Brakes. In a safe place, check that the
brakes do not pull to one side when
applied.
Anything unusual? Look for loose parts
and leaks. Listen for abnormal noises.
If everything looks O.K., set your mind at
ease and enjoy your trip!
Tips for driving in various
conditions
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
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This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
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sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp−edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
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wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in "P" (automatic) or in first or
reverse (manual). If necessary, block
the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
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deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the
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parking brake is fully released and
the parking brake reminder light is
off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
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tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
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pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating,
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
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reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
while lightly
needless
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