Wondering why the Toyota coffee cup symbol turns up and how you can shut the warning icon off? If you have been trying to get your head around this feature, then this article is exactly where you need to be looking.
In this post, I’m covering everything I know about the Toyota coffee cup symbol so you can understand how to use it make the most out of your drives. And I promise I’ll help make it less annoying if you are looking to get rid of it. So, without a further ado, let’s dive in!
What is the Toyota “Coffee Cup” symbol?
The coffee cup symbol accompanying the message “Would you like to take a break?” usually appears on the multi-information display. It is also accompanied by a buzzing sound. This is to alert the driver when the following conditions are detected:
- The vehicle is frequently swaying from lane to lane.
- The vehicle is being driven for over three hours straight.
These conditions imply that the driver is either not paying attention or may be tired and hence needs a break.
Quick note: The sway warning alert may differ from the coffee cup light in your car, as some models may show it differently.
Why Is It So Important?
The coffee cup feature falls under the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) system and Toyota Safety Sense™. It is placed to ensure that the driver’s awareness doesn’t decrease to a dangerously low level such that the risk of collision escalates.
Toyota therefore poses the symbol as a gentle reminder to encourage drivers to take breaks more frequently and refresh themselves before hitting the road again.
And while there is nothing that forces you to act upon the reminder, if a 20-minute break can save you from a potential accident, it is well worth it.
Guide: How Can the Coffee Cup Symbol Be Turned Off?
Turning the coffee cup symbol off is very easy. You can do it with the help of the buttons called the Meter Control Switches or MID on the left of the steering wheel. Just follow the few simple steps I’m mentioning here, and you’ll turn off the warning symbol:
- Select the option with the settings icon on the multi-information display.
- Press and hold the “OK” button for about 1.5 seconds before releasing
- Select the first icon of Lane Tracing Assist, which also pictorially represents lane departure (usually the first option).
- Press and hold the “OK” again.
- Move down to the “Sway Warning” option.
- Press and hold the “OK” and then release.
However, you cannot turn off this warning when driving long distances without stopping. The warning will still appear after you have driven for over three hours without stopping.
The only way to avoid this warning is to stop driving before it appears by taking more frequent breaks. However, you can still dismiss the notification when the warning finally pops up.
Sway Warning Sensitivity
Alternative to turning off the sway warning, you can also simply reduce the sensitivity of the sway warning. This means that the sway warning alerts will show less frequently and only with more abrupt lane changes. This way the annoying old sway warning wouldn’t pop on the dashboard as much.
To achieve this, go over the steps stated previously for turning the sway warning off. This time instead of choosing “Sway Warning,” select “Sway Sensitivity.” Then reduce the sensitivity according to your needs. This way you can strike the perfect balance between the use of this feature and its driving as you like.
The Stats Around Drowsy Driving
Time has shown many horrific incidents of accidents caused by sleepy or drowsy drivers.
A research study done by AAAFTS confirms the increase in car crashes due to sleep deprivation. The study showed between 2005 and 2007 that drivers who slept less than 4 hours, 4 to 5 hours, had a rate of 11.5 and 4.3 car crashes respectively. As for drivers who slept between 5 to 6 hours, and 6 to 7 hours, their chances of crashes were 1.9, and 1.3 respectively.
Another AAA foundation’s study also found an estimated ten times as many fatalities on the road where drowsy driving was a contributor.
It is because of these terrifying statistics that Toyota has installed the coffee cup symbol to evoke alertness in the driver. I encourage that even if you think you’re awake and not feeling tired, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tips To Prevent The Risk of Sleep-induced Accidents
The key to avoiding these accidents is prevention. Here are some tips to consider.
- Get enough sleep each night, preferably seven to eight hours
- Don’t drink alcohol before driving
- Avoid driving while being on medications that make you sleepy.
- Don’t drive during your sleepiest hours (midnight to 6 a.m. or late evening)
If you fall asleep while driving, some short-term solutions may help. Consider these tips:
- Drink an energy drink or coffee
- Stop for a quick nap in a safe surrounding
- Ask passengers to drive for short periods
Some of these steps may seem annoying, but they are much better than causing an accident.
Disabling The Lane Tracing Assist
Often I see RAV4 owners frustrated by the frequent showing of the LTA symbol. If you count yourself as one of these people and want to know how to turn off the Lane Tracing Assist as a whole, you may click here for a quick video demonstration.
FAQs
How can my car tell that I’m tired?
Toyota uses a three-hour gauge of non-stop driving. This system determines that the driver has been continuously driving for 180 minutes and may be exhausted. This system can also notice the vehicle swaying too much on the roadway also indicating a drowsiness of the driver. These cues help your Toyota understand you’re tired.
Why is my Toyota asking me to take a break?
The Driver Drowsiness Alert is set to alert you after approximately three hours of continuous driving. This alert also warns you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. Both of these are signs that you may be too tired to drive further.
Can I change when the coffee cup symbol warning appears?
No, the time is predefined by Toyota and cannot be adjusted. It is designed to prioritize safety based on factors such as continuous driving and winding roads.
Is the coffee cup symbol used at night?
Yes, the coffee cup symbol works 24/7. It takes into account your driving behavior and warns you at any time.
Is it possible to permanently disable the coffee cup symbol?
Some features may change, but the symbol remains an essential safety warning. Toyota recommends keeping this active for optimal protection.
Is there a distinction between passenger and driver fatigue?
The system mainly monitors vehicle movements and therefore does not distinguish between driver and passenger fatigue. This is a general safety feature intended for the general well-being of all passengers in the car.
Is it possible to put the coffee cup symbol on older Toyota models?
No, the coffee cup symbol may not be available on older models as it is typically part of Toyota's advanced safety systems. For more information on updates, please refer to the manual that came with your vehicle or contact your dealer.
Sources
To learn more about the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), click here.
If you want to learn more about the data on car crashes and drowsy drivers, you may check out these studies:
Drowsy Driving in Fatal Crashes, United States.
Conclusion
The coffee cup symbol is a great safety feature that points to an incredibly dangerous problem of sleep-deprivation-induced accidents. This safety feature comes with a warning symbol or icon and a buzz sound when it senses the car being continuously driven for over three hours or abrupt frequent maneuvers shifting the car from lane to lane.
The coffee cup warning symbol, also called the sway warning, is a great reminder for drowsy drivers to take some rest and refresh. This encourages a more responsible attitude towards driving and likely prevents the risk of potential accidents.
If you also want to learn about other RAV4 safety features, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) will also be a great one to search out.