1996 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 165

Tire surface and wheel nuts Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information. When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check the nuts for looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See Chapter 7-2 for additional information. Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately. Doors and engine hood Check that all doors including trunk lid operate smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch is released. INSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc. Lights Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim. Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function properly. Steering wheel Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position. Seat belts Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged. Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching. Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and that the pedal has the proper clearance. Check the brake booster function. Brakes At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied. Automatic transmission "Park" mechanism Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in "P" position and all brakes released. IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling. Washer fluid Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See Chapter 7-3 for additional information. 159