Toyota Corolla Cross: 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
• Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
• Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand.

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 size specified.
• 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.

NOTICE

■Driving with tire chains

Do not fit tire chains. Tire chains may damage the vehicle body and suspension, and adversely affect driving performance.

■Repairing or replacing snow tires

Request repairs or replacement of 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.

Before driving the vehicle

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 windshield.
• Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on the exterior lights, outside rear view mirrors, windows, vehicle'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.

When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

When parking the vehicle

• 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 parking brake may freeze up, preventing 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 leading to an accident.

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

Turn off the engine switch while pressing the parking brake switch.

• If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, 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 possibility of the brakes freezing.

Selecting tire chains

Tire chains cannot be mounted.

Snow tires should be used instead.

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