1998 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual - Page 155

'98 Tacoma (U) Winter driving tips z Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components. z Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the separate "Owner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule". Make sure you have ethylene-glycol antifreeze in the radiator. Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water. NOTICE Do not use alcohol type antifreeze. Check the condition of the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Chapter 7- 3 tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. See Chapter 7- 2 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer- he will be pleased to help. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. To open a frozen lock, try heating the key before inserting it. NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint. Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, put the transmission into "P" (automatic) or into first or reverse (manual) and block the front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. 155