Before operating the Toyota Tacoma in winter conditions, complete the necessary seasonal preparations and inspections so the vehicle is ready for low temperatures, snow and ice. Driving technique should always be adapted to the actual weather, road surface and available traction rather than relying solely on the vehicle's normal handling characteristics.
Preparation for winter
- Use fluids suitable for the expected outside temperatures. Cold-weather operation requires particular attention to the following fluids:
- Engine oil
- Engine coolant
- Washer fluid
- Have a qualified service technician inspect the battery condition, since dependable battery performance becomes especially important during cold-weather operation.
- Equip the vehicle with four snow tires, or obtain an appropriate set of tire chains for installation on the rear tires when conditions require them.
Make sure all tires installed on the Toyota Tacoma are the same specified size and brand, and verify that any tire chains being used correspond correctly to the tire size.
WARNING
Driving with snow tires
Follow the precautions below whenever snow tires are installed to reduce the possibility of an accident and maintain predictable vehicle handling.
Ignoring these requirements can result in loss of vehicle control and may cause death or serious injury.
- Install tires of the specified size.
- Keep tire inflation pressure at the recommended level and check it regularly during winter operation.
- Do not exceed 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type or capability of the snow tires installed.
- Fit snow tires to all wheels rather than installing them on only part of the vehicle.
- 4WD models: Do not combine tires of different manufacturers, models, tread patterns or levels of treadwear, as inconsistent tires can adversely affect vehicle behavior.
Driving with tire chains
Use increased caution whenever tire chains are installed, and observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of losing control on winter roads.
Failure to follow these instructions can make the Toyota Tacoma difficult to control safely and may result in an accident causing death or serious injury.
- Never exceed the maximum speed specified by the tire chain manufacturer or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever limit is lower.
- Avoid potholes, rough pavement and other bumpy road surfaces that could place excessive loads on the chains or tires.
- Use smooth accelerator, steering and brake inputs. Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, hard braking and shifting operations that produce sudden engine braking.
- Reduce speed before entering a curve so the vehicle remains stable and controllable throughout the turn.
- Do not use the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) system while tire chains are installed.
NOTICE
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Have snow tires repaired, removed, installed or replaced by a Toyota dealer or a reputable tire retailer familiar with the applicable tire and wheel equipment.
Professional handling is important because removing and reinstalling snow tires can affect the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters used by the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system.
Before driving the vehicle
Before setting out in winter weather, inspect the Toyota Tacoma and complete the following steps as required by the current temperature and road conditions:
- Do not force open a frozen window or attempt to move a wiper that is stuck by ice. Pour warm water over the frozen area until the ice releases, then immediately wipe away the remaining water so it does not freeze again.
- Clear accumulated snow from the air inlet vents in front of the windshield so airflow to the climate control system fan is not restricted.
- Inspect the exterior lights, outside rear view mirrors, windows, roof, chassis, areas surrounding the tires and the brakes. Remove excessive snow or ice that could obstruct visibility, interfere with vehicle operation or remain attached while driving.
- Before entering the vehicle, remove snow and mud from the soles of your shoes so the pedals and interior floor area remain as clean and dry as practical.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate gently, leave a greater safe following distance from the vehicle ahead and maintain a reduced speed appropriate for snow, ice and other low-traction conditions. Smooth inputs give the tires more opportunity to maintain grip as road conditions change.
When parking the vehicle
- When freezing conditions could cause the parking brake to become stuck, park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P on automatic transmission models, or to 1 or R on manual transmission models, without applying the parking brake. If the vehicle is left parked without the parking brake engaged, securely block the wheels.
Failure to block the wheels can allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly, creating a serious risk of an accident.
- Vehicles with an automatic transmission: When parking without applying the parking brake, verify that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P*.
*: The shift lever should remain locked when an attempt is made to move it from P to another position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be moved out of P under these conditions, the shift lock system may have a problem. Have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
WARNING
When parking the vehicle
Whenever the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, make certain that the wheels are securely chocked. Without wheel chocks, the vehicle could move unexpectedly and cause an accident.
Selecting tire chains
Choose tire chains of the correct size for the tires installed on the vehicle. Using chains that do not correspond to the tire dimensions can result in improper fit and operation.
The permitted chain dimensions are specified according to tire size, so the correct chain specification must be confirmed before installation.
- Side chain (0.2 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
- Cross chain (0.25 in. [6.3 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Rules governing tire chain use can differ according to the location, jurisdiction and type of road being traveled.
Check the applicable local regulations before installing tire chains, particularly when traveling through areas where chain requirements or restrictions may change.
Tire chain installation
Follow these precautions whenever installing or removing tire chains to ensure they are fitted correctly and the procedure is carried out safely:
- Stop in a safe location away from moving traffic before installing or removing tire chains.
- Fit tire chains only to the rear tires.
Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
- Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible, then check and retighten them after driving approximately 1/4-1/2 mile (0.5-1.0 km).
- Follow the installation procedure and precautions supplied by the tire chain manufacturer rather than using a different fitting method.
NOTICE
Fitting tire chains
When tire chains are installed, the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not operate correctly. Take this possible limitation into account while the chains remain fitted.
