2004 TOYOTA PRIUS tire pressure

290
Always use a tire inflation pres-
sure gauge. The appearance of
a tire can be misleading. Besides,
tire inflation pressures that are
even just a few pounds off can de-
grade ride and handling.
 Take special care when adding
air to the compact spare tire.
The smaller tire size can gain
pressure very qu ickly. Add com-
pressed air in small quantities and
check the pressure often until it
reaches the specified pressure.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire
inflation pressure after driving.
It is normal for the tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capac-
ity weight. Passenger and lug-
gage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.
Ti r e inf lat ion
pressure gauge
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE 1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the tip of the tire inflation pressure gauge to the tire valve.
3. Read the pressure using the grad- uations of the gauge.
4. In case the tire inflation pressure
is not within the prescribed range,
insert the compressed air from the
valve. In case of applying too much
air, press the center of the valve
and release the air to adjust. 5. After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurement and adjust-
ment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
If a gauge and air pump are not avail-
able, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve
caps. Without the valve caps, dirt
or moisture could get into the
valve core and cause air leakage.
If the caps have been lost, have
new ones put on as soon as pos-
sible.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure
may waste fuel, reduce the comfort
of driving, reduce tire life and
make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling,
have it checked by your Toyota deal-
er.

291
CAUTION
Keep your tires properly inflated.
Otherwise, the following condi-
tions may occur and cause an ac-
cident resulting in death or seri-
ous injuries.
Low tire pressure (underinfla-
tion)—
 Excessive wear
 Uneven wear
 Poor handling
 Possibility of blowouts from an
overheated tire
 Poor sealing of the tire bead
 Wheel deformation and/or tire
separation
 A greater possibility of tire
damage from road hazards
High tire pressure (Overinfla-
tion)—
Poor handling
 Excessive wear
 Uneven wear
 A greater possibility of tire
damage from road hazardsTread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire’s tread for tread
wear indicators. If the indicators
show, replace the tires. The loca-
tion of tread wear indicators is
shown by the “TWI” or “
Δ” marks,
etc., molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Checking and replacing tires

292 The tires on your Toyota have built−in
tread wear indicators to help you
know when the tires need replace-
ment. When the tread depth wears to
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-
tors will appear. If you can see the
indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The lower the tread, the higher the
risk of skidding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is
lost if the tread wears down below
4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as
cuts, splits, cracks deep e nough to
expose the fabric, or bulges indi-
cating internal damage, the tire
should be repl aced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be
properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage, it
should be replaced. If you are not
sure, consult with your Toyota dealer. If air loss occurs while driving, do not
continue driving. Driving even a short
distance can damage a tire beyond
repair.
An y ti res wh i ch are over 6 years
old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not
obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This applies also to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use a tire of
the same size and construction,
and the same or greater load ca-
pacity as the originally installed
tires.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.
Check that the maximum load of the
replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR)
of either the front axle or the rear
axle, whichever is greater. As for the
maximum load of the tire, see the load
limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall
of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle
Weight Ratings (GAWR), see the Cer-
tification Label. For details about the
sidewall of the tire and the Certifica-
tion Label, see pages 216 and 214.

294 When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire infla-
tion pressure, improper wheel align-
ment, out−of −balance wheels, or se-
vere braking.
CAUTION
Do not include a compact spare
tire when rotating the tires. It is
designed for temporary use only.
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the originally installed tires.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Do not use snow tires other than the
manufacturer ’s recommended size, as
this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of
control. Otherwise, an accident may
occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
Installing snow tires and
chains

313
AUXILIARY BATTERY
Open voltage at 20C (68 F):
12.6 − 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 − 12.4 V Half charged
11 . 5 − 11.9 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off]
Charging rates: 3.5 A max.
HYBRID TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.): 3.6 (3.8, 3.2)
Fluid type: “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” or
equivalent BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf)
with the traction motor running, mm (in.):
101.0 (3.98)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 1 − 4 (0.04 − 0.16)
Parking brake adjustment when depressed
with the force of 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lbf): 6 − 9 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Tires
Tire size and inflation pressure:
Tire size kPa (kgf/cm
2 or ba r, ps i )
Standard Front P185/65R15 86S
240 (2. 4, 35)
Rear
P185/65R15 86S 230 (2. 3, 33)
Spare T125/70D16 96M
420 (4. 2, 60)
Wheel size: Standard 15 x 6JJ
S par e 16 x 4T
Wheel nut torque, N·m (kgf·m,
ft·lbf): 103 (10.5, 76)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires
or replacing wheels), see
“Checking tire inflation pres-
sure” through “Aluminum
wheel precautions”, page
289 through 296.

326
Spark ignition system ofyour Toyota
The spark ignition system in your
Toyota meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference −Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile twoway radio system
As the installation of a mobile
two −way radio system in your ve-
hicle could affect electronic sys-
tems such as multiport fuel injec-
tion system / sequential multiport
fuel injection system, cruise con-
trol system, anti −lock brake sys-
tem, vehicle stability control sys-
tem, SRS airbag system, seat belt
pretensioner system and Toyota
hybrid system, be sure to check
with your Toyota dealer for pre-
cautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Tires and loading on your Toyota
Underinflated or overinflated
tire inflation pr essure and the
excess load may result in the
deterioration of steering ability
and braking ability, leading to
an accident. Check the tire
inflation pressure periodically
and be sure to keep the load
limits given in this Owner ’s
Manual. For details about tire
inflation pressure and load lim-
its, see page 289 and pages
224.

2
Publication No. OM47482U
Part No. 01999-47482
Printed in Japan 04−0407 −01
U 5Quick index
 If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 117 . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 238 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
 If you have a flat tire 243 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 254 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during break-in period 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the hybrid system 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 General maintenance 269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91)
or higher.
See page 202 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
45 L (11.9 gal., 9.9 lmp. gal.)
See page 204 for detailed information.
Engine oil:
API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
is recommended.
See page 283 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 289 through 296.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 313.
C