2001 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 208

'01 AVALON U (L/O 0008) Brake pad wear limit indicators BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal firmly. When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine compartment and feel the vibration of the brake pedal. This does not indicate a malfunction. The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). For an explanation of this system's warning light, see "Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers" in Section 1 −5. The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to where replacement is required. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when necessary. Luggage stowage precautions When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe the following: D Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place. D Be careful to keep the vehicle balanced. Locating the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain balance. D For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded weight. CAUTION D Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident. D Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver's field of view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and impair the driver's control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants. 208 2001 MY AVALON (OM22491U)