2002 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 206

'02 AVALON U (L/O 0107) Break −in period Drive gently and avoid high speeds. Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break −in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle: Fuel FUEL TYPE Your new vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline. To help prevent gas station mix −ups, your Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not. At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5−M93 in Canada. OCTANE RATING Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating or research octane number lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will lead to engine damage. If your engine knocks...If you detect heavy knocking even when using the recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Toyota dealer. However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no need of concern. D Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph). D Run the engine at moderate speed between 2000 and 4000 rpm. D Avoid full−throttle starts. D Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles). D Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow. NOTICE Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the three− way catalytic converter to lose its effectiveness and the emission control system to function improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs. D Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles). 2002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U) 205