1997 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 126

Winter driving tips S The driver and all passengers should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving. zSand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components. zAlways perform a maintenance inspection after each day of offroad 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. 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 dealerhe 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 zIf driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water. zTake all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other components does not occur. Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage. Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing the gear oil's lubricating qualities. 122