2006 TOYOTA PRIUS tire type

148
The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, brake assist system, hybrid system
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and hybrid system
to help prevent the vehicle from skid-
ding when cornering on a slippery road
surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle
speed is more than about 15 km/h (9
mph).CAUTION
Do not rely exclusively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid death or serious injury. Reck-
less driving will result in an unex-
pected accident. If the slip indicator
light flashes, sounding an alarm,
special care should be taken while
driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use tires other than
specified, or mixed types or size,
the vehicle stability control system
may not function correctly. When
replacing the tires or wheels, con-
tact your Toyota dealer. (See
“Checking and replacing tires” on
page 407.)
25p115a
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light blinks in the follow-
ing conditions also.
The vehicle tires are racing. Utmost
care is required when driving.
When the anti−lock brake system is
operating. See “Brake system” on page
325 for details.
Vehicle stability control
system

153
IF THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
LIGHT BLINKS...
If the tire pressure warning light blinks
when the “POWER” switch is selected
in “IGON” mode, the tire pressure
warning system is not working properly.
The system will be disabled in the follow-
ing conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the
system will work properly.)
If tires not equipped with tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters are
used.
If the ID code on the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters is not
registered.
If electronic devices or facilities using
similar radio wave frequencies are
nearby.
If a radio set at similar frequencies is
in use in the vehicle.
If a window tint that affects the radio
wave signals is installed.
If there is a lot of snow or ice on the
vehicle, in particular around the wheels
or wheel housings.
If non−genuine Toyota wheels are used.
If tire chains are used.
If the tire inflation pressure is 50 kpa
(0.5 kgf/cm2 or bar, 7.3 psi) or more
higher than the specified level.
If the tire pressure warning light blinks
frequently when “POWER” switch is se-
lected in “IG −ON” mode, have it checked
by your Toyota dealer.
Even if you use genuine wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work
properly with some types of tires.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light. For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.

317
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Break−in period 318
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Fuel 318
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut −off systemm 320
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 320
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant heat storage system 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridium −tipped spark plugs 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 325
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Toyota’s identification 330
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Suspension and chassis 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Tire information 332
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Vehicle load limits 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Cargo and luggage 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Types of tires 345
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3

332This illustration indicates typical tire
symbols.
1. Tire size— For details, see “Tire
size” on page 336.
2. DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)— For details, see
“DOT and Tire Identification Num-
ber (TIN)” on page 335.
3. Location of tread wear indica- tors— For details, see “Checking
and replacing tires” on page 407.
4. Tire ply composition and materi- als— Plies mean a layer of rubber −
coated parallel cords. Cords mean
the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
5. Summer tire or all season tire— An all season tire has “M+S”
on the sidewall. A tire not marked
with “M+S” is a summer tire. For
details, see “Types of tires” on
page 345.
Tire information—
—Tire symbols (Standard tire)
30p101

333
6. Radial tires or biasply tires—
A
radial tire has “RADIAL” on the
sidewall. The tire not marked with
“RADIAL” is a bias −ply tir e.
7. “TUBELESS” or “TUBE TYPE” —A tubeless tire does not have a
tube inside the tire and air is direct-
ly filled in the tire. A tube type tire
has a tube inside the tire and the
tube maintains the air pressure.
8. Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure— For details,
see “Checking and replacing tires”
on page 407.
9. Maximum cold tire inflation pressure— This means the pres-
sure to which a tire may be in-
flated. For recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, see “Tires” on
page 429.
10. Uniform tire quality grading— For details, see “Uniform tire quali-
ty grading” that follows.

335
6. Maximum cold tire inflation
pressure— This means the pres-
sure to which a tire may be in-
flated. For recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, see “Tires” on
page 429.
7. Tire ply composition and materi- als— Plies mean a layer of rubber −
coated parallel cords. Cords mean
the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
8. “TUBELESS” or “TUBE TYPE” —A tubeless tire does not have a
tube inside the tire and air is direct-
ly filled in the tire. A tube type tire
has a tube inside the tire and the
tube maintains the air pressure.
9. Radial tires or biasply tires— A
radial tire has “RADIAL” on the
sidewall. The tire not marked with
“RADIAL” is a bias −ply tir e.
21A009a
This illustration indicates typical DOT
and Tire Identification Number (TIN).
1. “DOT” symbol
2. Tire Identification Number (TIN)
3. Tire manufacturer ’s identification mark
4. Tire size code
5. Manufacturer ’s optional tire type code (3 or 4 letters)
6. Manufacturing week
7. Manufacturing year The “DOT” symbol certifies that the
tire conforms to applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
—DOT and Tire Identification
Number (TIN)

340Ti r e relat ed ter m
Meaning
Production options weight
the combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over
2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not pre-
viously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Vehicle capacity weight
(Total load capacity)the rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg (150 lb.) times the vehicle’s desig-
nated seating capacity
Intended outboard sidewall
(A) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper
than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(B) the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table
1 that follows
Rima metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated
Rim diameter (Wheel diameter)nominal diameter of the bead seat
Rim size designationrim diameter and width
Rim type designationthe industry of manufacturer ’s designation for a rim by style or code
Rim widt hnominal distance between rim flanges
Vehicle maximum load on the tirethe load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two

345
199 kg – 176 kg = 23 kg.
( 444 lb. – 388 lb. = 56 lb. )
As shown in the above example, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load equaling the
combined weight of occupants who
got on later must be reduced. In other
words, if the incr
ease in the number
of occupants causes the excess of
the total load capacity (combined
weight of occupants plus cargo and
luggage load), you have to reduce the
cargo and luggage on your vehicle.
For details about total load capacity,
see “Vehicle load limits” on page 342.
CAUTION
Even if the total load of occu-
pant’s weight and the cargo load
is less than the total load capac-
ity, do not apply the load uneven-
ly. That may cause not only dam-
age to the tire but also deteriora-
tion to the steering ability due to
unbalance of the vehicle, causing
an accident.
Types of tires
Determine what kind of tires your
vehicle is originally equipped with.
1. All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to be
adequate for driving in most winter
conditions, as well as for use all year
round.
All season tires, however, do not have
adequate traction performance
compared with snow tires in heavy or
loose snow. Also, all season tires fall
short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer
tires in highway driving.