’06 MATRIX_U (L/O 0508)
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! Be  careful  when  accelerating,  up-
shifting,  downshifting  or  braking  on
a  slippery  surface.  Sudden  accelera-
tion  or  engine  braking,  could  cause
the  vehicle  to  skid  or  spin.
! Do  not  drive  in  excess  of  the  speed
limit.  Even  if  the  legal  speed  limit
permits  it,  do  not  drive  over  140
km/h  (85  mph)  unless  your  vehicle
has  high−speed  capability  tires.
Driving  over  140  km/h  (85  mph)  may
result  in  tire  failure,  loss  of  control
and  possible  injury.  Be  sure  to  con-
sult  a  tire  dealer  to  determine
whether  the  tires  on  your  vehicle
are  high−speed  capability  tires  or
not  before  driving  at  such  speeds.
! 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  park-
ing  brake  will  not  hold  the  vehicle
securely.
! If  you  need  greater  traction  while  driv-
ing  on  sand,  mud  or  snow  covered
roadways,  use  tire  chains  on  the  front
wheels.
! Always  check  your  brakes  for  effective-
ness  immediately  after  driving  across
sand,  mud  etc.
! If  operating  in  adverse  conditions
frequently,  vehicle  maintenance  should
be  increased.  (See  the  separate
“Scheduled  Maintenance  Guide”  or
“Owner’s  Manual  Supplement”.)
CAUTION
Observe  the  following  instructions.
Otherwise,  an  accident  may  occur  re-
sulting  in  death  or  serious  injuries.
! Do  not  attempt  to  go  off−road  in
your  Toyota,  as  this  may  cause  se-
rious  mechanical  damage.  It  is  not
designed  for  off−road  use.
! Do  not  attempt  to  drive  the  vehicle
when  one  or  more  of  the  wheels
not  in  contact  with  the  ground,  or
when  the  vehicle  becomes  stuck  in
snow  etc.,  as  this  may  cause  dan-
gerous  handling  characteristics  re-
sulting  in  loss  of  control.  (See  “If
your  vehicle  becomes  stuck”  on
page  243  in  Section  4.)
! Do  not  drive  in  a  deep  water  such
as  in  rivers,  as  this  may  cause  seri-
ous  mechanical  damage  resulting  in
loss  of  control.
! Keep  your  tire  pressure  at  the  prop-
er  level.  (See  “Checking  tire  infla-
tion  pressure”  on  page  277  in  Sec-
tion  7−2.)
Four−wheel  driving  tips 
(four−wheel  drive  models)