These pages detail the operation of the Automatic vehicles with electronic gear shifters for the Subaru and the Toyota vehicles in use by visitors at EAO.
In essence a driver needs to understand that using low gears to descend a steep slope will enable the car to use engine braking. Engine braking prevents the driver from overusing the brakes – causing less wear and tear on the brakes and ultimately preventing brake failure.
A reminder: before driving any of the EAO vehicles ensure you are happy with the vehicle, do a quick check around the vehicle, check the vehicle manual located in the glove compartment, and make seat/mirror adjustments to ensure you are comfortable. Drivers must wear a seat belt at all times.
Subaru operation
In the EAO Subaru vehicles the parking brake is electronic. This parking brake is an electronic button located below and to the left of the steering wheel. Push to turn the parking brake on and pull to turn the parking brake off. Please note the engine should be on and the brake pedal depressed (otherwise there is no effect).
The gear shifter is the same used in a normal automatic vehicle, but when driving, the driver can switch over to “manual” when needed. This can be done when the vehicle is moving or stationary.
In “Drive”, a “D” shows on the vehicle control panel. When set to “Manual” the relevant gear is shown.
To change up and down gears when in manual mode, simply pull on the up and down shifter paddles located on the right and left of the steering wheel. In essence, when driving down a steep hill shift into manual, M, and shift down one or more gears to enable the car to use engine braking to slow.
Toyota operation
In the EAO Toyota vehicles the parking brake is a foot-brake. This parking brake is located left of the foot pedals. Push to turn the parking brake on and push to release the parking brake.
The gear shifter is the same used in a normal automatic vehicle. When driving the driver can switch over to “manual” when needed to select (S) the required gear, by pushing over to the left on the gear shifter and pushing up to go to higher gears, or pulling down to shift to lower gears (recommended for coming down steep gradients).
In “Drive”, a “D” shows on the vehicle control panel. When set to “Manual”, the relevant gear is shown.