2006 Toyota Matrix Owners Manual - Page 215

'06 MATRIX_U (L/O 0508) Winter driving tips D Do not use tires (including snow tires) of different brands, sizes, construction or tread patterns. (See "Checking and replacing tires" on page 280 and "Installing snow tires and chains" on page 284 in Section 7−2.) Make sure your coolant is properly protected against freezing. Only use "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite, and non−borate coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic acids.) See "Checking the engine coolant level" on page 274 in Section 7 −2 for details of coolant type selection. For the U.S.A.-"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides protection down to about −35_C ( −31_F). For Canada-"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides protection down to about −42_C ( −44_F). 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. Section 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 page 272 in Section 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 dealer-they 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. Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water. D Do not use tires with different tread wear. To equalize the tire wear, rotate tires at the appropriate interval. (See "Rotating tires" on page 283 in Section 7−2.) D Use the manufacturer's recommended wheels. Do not use wheels of different sizes and types. (See "Replacing wheels" on page 285 in Section 7−2.) NOTICE Do not use plain water alone. 215