Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) Owners Manual: Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

■ Pre-winter preparations

● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.

• Engine oil

• Engine coolant

• Washer fluid

• Washer fluid ● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of battery electrolyte.

● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for the rear tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.

■ Before driving the vehicle

Perform the following according to the driving conditions.

● Do not try to forcibly open a window, scrape an outside rear view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mirror 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 windshield.

● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.

● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

■ When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

■ When parking the vehicle

Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

Selecting tire chains

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains.

Chain size is regulated for each tire size.

Side chain

0.2 in. (5 mm) in diameter

Cross chain

0.25 in. (6.3 mm) in diameter

Regulations on the use of snow chains

● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.

● Install the chains on the rear tires.

● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

■Snow chain installati

Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.

●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

●Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.

●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying instructions.

CAUTION

■Driving with snow tires

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.

●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.

●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.

●Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.

●4WD models: Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.

■Driving with snow chains

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Failing 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 turns and braking.

●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is maintained.

CAUTION

■When parking the vehicle

Always use wheel blocks when parking without the parking brake. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to move, resulting in an accident.

NOTICE

■Repairing or replacing snow tires

Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers 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.

■Fitting tire chains

The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.