Toyota Avalon (2018 year). Instruction - part 16

241

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles
that are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in
the outside rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of
the vehicles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.

WARNING

■

Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively. Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function correctly.

●

Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may mal-
function and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected. If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have
the area inspected by your Toyota dealer.

●

Do not disassemble the sensor.

●

Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.

●

Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.

●

Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Toyota color.

The Blind Spot Monitor function

●

Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.

242

4-5. Using the driving support systems

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

The range of the detection area
extends to:

Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m)
from the side of the vehicle

The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area

Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper

Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper

The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas

WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.

The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the
driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the
Blind Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to change
lanes, therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.

According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

243

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when

●

The BSM main switch is set to on

●

Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).

■

The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when

●

A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.

●

Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.

■

Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a
vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following types
of vehicles and/or objects:

●

Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.

●

Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction

●

Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects

●

Following vehicles that are in the same lane

●

Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle

: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

244

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function may not func-
tion correctly

●

The Blind Spot Monitor function may not detect vehicles correctly in the fol-
lowing conditions:

• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and

the vehicle that enters the detection area

• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the

detection area as your vehicle accelerates

• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip

in the road etc.

• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each

vehicle

• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far

away from your vehicle

• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the

same speed as your vehicle

• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and

the vehicle that enters the detection area

• Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on

●

Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehi-
cle and/or object may increase under the following conditions:

• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail,

wall etc.

• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following

vehicle

• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from

your vehicle enters the detection area

• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehi-

cle

245

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse.
It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of
the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehi-
cle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators
and sounding a buzzer.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

Approaching vehicles

Detection areas

WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-
ment for careful driving. Driver must be careful when backing up, even
when using Rear Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confir-
mation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and be sure there are
no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before backing up. Failure to do so could
cause death or serious injury.

According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

246

4-5. Using the driving support systems

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert
for faster vehicles from farther away.

Example:

■

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when

●

The BSM main switch is set to on.

●

The shift lever is in R.

●

Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).

●

Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and
18 mph (28 km/h).

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas

Approaching vehicle

Speed

Approximate
alert distance

Fast

18 mph (28 km/h)

65 ft. (20 m)

Slow

5 mph (8 km/h)

18 ft. (5.5 m)

247

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function will not
detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following
types of vehicles and/or objects.

●

Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.

●

Vehicles approaching from directly behind

●

Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects

●

Vehicles moving away from your vehicle

●

Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle

●

Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle

: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■

Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not
function correctly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the
following conditions:

●

When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper

●

During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.

●

When multiple vehicles approach continuously

●

Shallow angle parking

●

When a vehicle is approaching at high speed

●

When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road etc.

●

Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on

●

Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles

248

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Normal mode

Use for normal driving.

While in Eco drive mode or sport mode, press the switch to change the
driving mode to normal mode.

Eco drive mode

Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during
trips that involve frequent accelerating.

When the “ECO” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on
in the instrument cluster.

Sport mode

Use sport mode when increased acceleration response and precise
handling is desired, for example, when driving on mountain roads.

When the “SPORT” switch is pressed, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster.

Driving mode select switches

The driving modes can be selected to suit driving condition.

249

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (

→P. 260). To improve air

conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.

■

Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after
driving in sport mode.

250

4-5. Using the driving support systems

◆

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

◆

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

◆

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces

◆

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

◆

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel

◆

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)

→P. 239

Driving assist systems

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.

251

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating.

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing the switch to
turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.

The “TRAC OFF” and a message
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.

Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.

When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating

Disabling the TRAC system

252

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC systems off, press and hold the switch for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

The VSC OFF and “TRAC OFF” and a message will be shown on the multi-
information display

Press the switch again to turn the systems back on.

: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-

collision braking will also be disabled. The pre-collision system warning
light will come on and the message will be shown on the multi-information
display. (

→P. 210)

■

When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled even if the TRAC/VSC OFF switch has
not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.

●

Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

■

EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the engine switch is turned off

●

If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.

■

Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

253

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

WARNING

■

The ABS does not operate effectively when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:

●

When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

●

When driving with tire chains

●

When driving over bumps in the road

●

When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

■

TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.

■

When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■

When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

254

4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

■

Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

255

Drivin

4-6. Driving tips

● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-

tures.

• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire

chains for the front tires.

Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.

Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,

remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.

● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-

mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.

● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before

getting in the vehicle.

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

Preparation for winter

Before driving the vehicle

256

4-6. Driving tips

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.

● Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the

parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

● If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm

that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P

: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any

other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.

Side chain:

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

Cross chain:

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

Selecting tire chains

1
2
3

4
5
6

Regulations on the use of tire chains

Content .. 14 15 16 17 ..