Toyota Hilux (2017 year). Manual - part 53

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4-1. Before driving

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NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle
On vehicles with automatic transmission, always set the parking brake, and
shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or
the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

●

Diesel engine: Make sure to idle the engine immediately after high-speed
driving or hill climbing. Stop the engine only after the turbocharger has
cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the turbocharger.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (

→P. 584)

220

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

■

When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models), differential, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

■

Off-road driving (vehicles with type A wheel ornaments [

→P. 591])

When driving on muddy roads, rocky terrain or sand, or crossing rivers,
remove the wheel ornaments. Driving with the wheel ornaments installed
may cause the wheel ornaments to be damaged or even fall off.
After off-road driving with the wheel ornaments removed, remove dirt or for-
eign objects from the wheel before reinstalling the wheel ornaments.

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Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the rear deck
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the rear deck:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the rear deck whenever possible.

●

Except for single-cab models: Do not stack anything behind the front seats
higher than the seatbacks. 

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (if equipped) (when stacking

items)

• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the rear deck. It is not designed for passen-
gers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily
injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.

■

Load and distribution

●

Do not overload your vehicle.

●

Do not apply loads unevenly. 
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.

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4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing (except models for model 

code destination W

∗

)

∗

: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model your vehicle is.

(

→P. 11)

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch
or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-
cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the
use of tow hitch mounted carriers.