2002 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 148

Tips for driving in various conditions D Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control. CAUTION D Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 125 km/h (79 mph) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 125 km/h (79 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. D Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts. Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe damage to the tires and/or wheels. D Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully released and that the parking brake reminder light is off. D Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the "READY" light on. D Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor power saving. D When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and put the running mode selector lever into "P". If necessary, block the wheels. D To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly. D Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle securely. D Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake pulled. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call an EV service station for assistance. D Be careful when accelerating or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden acceleration or motor braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. 140