Toyota RAV4 EE Owner's Manual page 430

420
STARTING AND DRIVING
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Outside the vehicle
Tires (spare included). Check the pres-
sure with a gauge and look carefully for
cuts, damage, or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts. Make sure no nuts are mis-
sing or loose.
Fluid leaks. After the vehicle has been
parked for a while, check underneath for
leaking fuel, oil, water, or fluid. (Water
dripping from the air conditioning after use
is normal.)
Lights. Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signals and other
lights are all working. Check the headlight
aim.
Inside the vehicle
Jack and wheel nut wrench. Make sure
you have your jack and wheel nut wrench.
Seat belts. Check that the buckles lock
securely. Make sure the belts are not
worn or frayed.
Instruments and controls.
make sure the service reminder indicators,
instrument lights, and defroster are work-
ing.
Brakes. Make sure the pedal has enough
clearance.
In the engine compartment
Spare fuses. Make sure you have spare
fuses. They should cover all the amperage
ratings designated on the fuse box lid.
Coolant level. Make sure the coolant lev-
el is correct. (See page 516 in Section
7−2 for instructions.)
Battery and cables. Check the battery
condition by the indicator color. Look for
corroded or loose terminals and a cracked
case. Check the cables for good condition
and connections.
Wiring. Look for damaged, loose, or dis-
connected wires.
Fuel lines. Check the lines for leaks or
loose connections.
RAV4_EE
AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE
Exhaust system. Listen for any leakage.
Have any leaks fixed immediately. (See
"Engine exhaust cautions" on page 392 in
Section 2.)
Engine oil level. Stop the engine and
check the dipstick with the vehicle parked
on a level spot. (See page 510 in 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 ap-
plied.
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!
Especially
Finish