2013 Toyota Matrix Owners Manual - Page 157

2-5. Driving information ● Automatic transmission: To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in "D". If in the S mode, the transmission shift gear position must be in 4 or lower. ● Manual transmission: To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not use fifth gear. ● Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades. ● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. ● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85° F [30° C]) when driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (→P. 430) ● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle's and the trailer's wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following: STEP 1 STEP 2 2 When driving Apply the brakes and keep them applied. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle's and trailer's wheels. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load. STEP 3 175