Toyota 4Runner 2023 Driving Tips
When driving the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, it’s important to put safety first and learn a set of driving tips that will not only keep you safe but also help you get the most out of this tough and flexible SUV. The 2023 4Runner is known for being able to go off-road and perform well. It also has a unique set of challenges and chances on the road, whether you’re driving through the city or over rough terrain. This detailed guide is meant to give drivers the information and skills they need to get the most out of their 4Runner. It focuses on safe driving, making the most of the vehicle’s features, and planning for off-road adventures. By following these safety instructions and driving tips, you’ll not only feel more confident behind the wheel, but you’ll also be able to use the 2023 Toyota 4Runner to its fullest as a reliable, ready-for-adventure partner for all your driving adventures.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Specs, Price, Features and Mileage
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions
Preparation for winter
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
- 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 rear tires.
- Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.
Before driving the vehicle
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 accumulated 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.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
- 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 vehicle 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. Has the vehicle been inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately?
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
- Side chain
- (0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
- Cross chain
- (0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
- (0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
- Tire chain installation
- Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
- Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
- Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
- Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 1/4 1/2 mile (0.5 1.0 km).
- Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
WARNING
Driving with snow tires
- Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
- Use tires of the specified size.
- Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
- Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires being used.
- Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Driving with tire chains
- Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely and may cause death or serious injury.
- Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
- Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations that cause sudden engine braking.
- Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is maintained.
NOTICE
- Repairing or replacing snow tires
- Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legitimate tire retailers.
- This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affect the operation of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
- Fitting tire chains
- The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted
Off-road precautions
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has a higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications
2023 Toyota 4Runner Specs, Price, Features and Mileage
Off-road vehicle feature
- Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to roll over. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
- An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems.
- It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause a rollover.
WARNING
- Off-road vehicle precautions
- Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury or damage to your vehicle:
- In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should always fasten their seat belts.
- Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
- Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
- Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle’s gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise, it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
- Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
- When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
- Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.
Off-road driving
- When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following precautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the closure of areas to off-road vehicles:
- Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to travel.
- Respect private property. Get the owner’s permission before entering private property.
- Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that restrict travel.
- Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving techniques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads.
Additional information for off-road driving
- For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
- To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the following organizations.
- State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
- State Motor Vehicle Bureau
- Recreational Vehicle Clubs
- U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
2023 Toyota 4Runner Specs, Price, Features and Mileage
WARNING
- Off-road driving precautions Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury or damage to your vehicle:
- Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places.
- Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
- Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.
- After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
- In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
- When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
- To prevent water damage
- Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other components does not occur.
- Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
- Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage.
- Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
- When you drive through water
- If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water.
- Inspection after off-road driving
- Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components.
- Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Q &A
A1: Here are 15 driving tips for the Toyota 4Runner 2023:
A1: When driving off-road in the Toyota 4Runner 2023, it’s important to reduce your speed, maintain a steady pace, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Use four-wheel drive when necessary and engage the appropriate off-road driving modes if available.
A2: In extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use your headlights, wipers, and defrosters appropriately to maintain good visibility. Be cautious of slippery road surfaces and adjust your driving to the conditions.
A3: When towing with the Toyota 4Runner 2023, ensure that your trailer and load are within the vehicle’s towing capacity. Distribute the weight evenly and make sure the trailer is properly attached and secured. Adjust your driving style to account for the increased length and weight, and allow for longer braking distances.
A4: To maximize fuel efficiency, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control on highways when appropriate. Keep your tires properly inflated, remove unnecessary cargo or roof racks, and adhere to regular maintenance schedules.
A5: If the 4Runner starts to skid, remain calm and avoid abrupt steering inputs or braking. Steer gently in the direction you want to go and, if necessary, lightly apply the brakes or release the accelerator. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s stability control system for added assistance.
A6: When descending steep hills or inclines, engage the vehicle’s hill descent control system if available. Use low gear settings and allow the vehicle to maintain a controlled speed. Avoid riding the brakes excessively and use engine braking to slow down when necessary.
A7: Yes, the Toyota 4Runner 2023 is typically equipped with cruise control. It allows you to maintain a constant speed on highways, promoting comfort and reducing driver fatigue. However, it’s important to deactivate cruise control in challenging driving conditions or when approaching traffic or hazardous situations.
A8: If you experience a tire blowout in the Toyota 4Runner 2023, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs. Gradually reduce speed and safely move to the side of the road. Apply the brakes gently and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
A9: In heavy traffic, maintain a safe following distance to allow for sudden stops. Be patient and avoid aggressive lane changes or sudden maneuvers. Use your mirrors and check blind spots regularly when changing lanes. Stay focused, be aware of your surroundings, and follow traffic laws.
A10: When driving at night, ensure that all exterior lights are functioning properly. Adjust your headlights to the correct level and use high beams when appropriate, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic. Reduce speed and stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife that may be more difficult to see in the dark.
A11: In adverse weather conditions, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use your wipers, defrosters, and headlights as necessary for visibility. Be cautious of slippery road surfaces and avoid sudden braking or accelerating. If the conditions become unsafe, consider pulling over and waiting until they improve.
A12: Yes, the Toyota 4Runner 2023 is designed for off-road capability. It features rugged construction, available four-wheel drive, and off-road-oriented features such as crawl control and multi-terrain select. However, ensure that you have the necessary experience and skills for off-road driving and follow proper safety precautions.
A13: When driving in sandy or muddy terrain, reduce tire pressure to improve traction. Engage four-wheel drive and use a lower gear range to maintain momentum. Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction and steer gently to prevent getting stuck. Be mindful of potential obstacles and use recovery equipment if needed.
A14: If the 4Runner gets stuck in snow or mud, avoid spinning the wheels excessively, as it can dig the vehicle deeper. Instead, gently rock the vehicle back and forth by alternating between forward and reverse gears. Use traction aids such as sand, gravel, or traction mats under the tires, or seek assistance if necessary.
A15: It is recommended to check the tire pressure in the Toyota 4Runner 2023 at least once a month or before long trips. Properly inflated tires ensure optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Refer to the vehicle’s manual or the tire placard for the recommended tire pressure values.
Useful Link
Read Full User Guide: Toyota 4Runner 2023 User Guide
Download User Guide PDF: https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals
2023 Toyota 4Runner Specs, Price, Features and Mileage