2008 TOYOTA PRIUS tow

173
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the back door whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

174 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 176)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 815 lb. (370
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
810 lb. — 366 lb. = 444 lb. (365 kg — 166 kg = 199 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
444 lb. — 388 lb. = 56 lb. (199 kg — 176 kg = 23 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the carg o and luggage on your vehicle.

176
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 388)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 810 lb. (365 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toy-
ota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the
use of a tow hitch carri er for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
ITY25P001

182
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.
,7<3

338 3-7. Other interior features
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Stowing the luggage cover
CAUTION
■While driving
To avoid injury, always return the cargo hooks to their positions when they
are not in use.
Remove the side deck boards and
open the auxiliary box.
Adjust the cover so that “TOP” is facing
up.STEP1
ITY37P015
STEP2

357
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12 volt battery condition(P. 375)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 373)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level ( P. 371)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55% cool-
ant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)

358 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
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