2008 TOYOTA PRIUS engine oil

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 441)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of 12 volt battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

352 4-2. Maintenance
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■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
● Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operations of all systems on your vehicle.
● Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly
take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
● Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● 12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. ( P. 375)
● Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always pro-
tect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

353
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 373)
Engine/power control unit coolant • At the correct level? ( P. 371)
Engine oil • At the correct level? ( P. 365)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 373)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? (P. 378)
ItemsCheck points
12 volt battery • Maintenance-free (P. 375)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supp lement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

358 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 365)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 398)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Radiator and condenser (P. 373)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 388)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 378)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury.
■
When working on the engine compartment:
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, inverter, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the 12 volt
battery. Fuel and 12 volt battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12 volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
● When the hybrid system is operating with the “READY” light on, the engine
may suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compart-
ment, be sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 373)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine compar tment
■12 volt battery
 P. 375
Washer fluid tank
( P. 378)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 373)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 367)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 371)Inverter coolant reservoir
( P. 371)
Fuse box ( P. 398)
Radiator ( P. 373)
Condenser ( P. 373)
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 365)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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Engine compartment cover
■ Removing the cover
Front
■ Installing the clips
Push up center portion
Insert
Press
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the hybrid
system, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
STEP1