2010 TOYOTA PRIUS tires

5
When trouble arises
493
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle 
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

504 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●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. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.

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When trouble arises
505
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the “POWER” switch is
turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled. 
(Customizable features P. 587)
However, Toyota recommends that the seat belt reminder buzzer be opera-
tional to alert the driver and front passenger that the seat belts are not fas-
tened.
CAUTION
■ When the electric power steering warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy. 
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, firmly
hold and operate it using more force than usual.
■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is pr obable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired
by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air loss should occur
The tire pressure warning syste m may not activate immediately.

506 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a differ-
ent size than the size indicated on th e vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label [tire and load informa tion label], you should determine the
proper tire inflation pr essure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your v ehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltal e (tire pressure warning light) when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressu re telltale (tire pressure warning light) illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a sub-
stitute for proper tire main tenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illu mination of the TPMS low ti re pressure telltale (tire
pressure warning light).

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When trouble arises
507
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) malfunction indicator to indi
cate when the system is not operat-
ing properly. The TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indi-
cator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure
warning light). When the system detec ts a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute an d then remain continuously illumi-
nated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi cator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a vari-
ety of reasons, including the installati on of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prev ent the TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pres-
sure warning system) malfunction tellt ale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-
nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to
continue to function properly.
NOTICE
■Precaution when installing a different tire
When a tire of a different specification or maker is installed, the tire pres-
sure warning system may not operate properly.

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When trouble arises
527
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Taking out the spare tire
Loosen the center fastener that
secures the spare tire.
Replacing a flat tire
Chock the tires.
ITO52P106
STEP1
Flat tireWheel chock positions
Front Left-hand side Behind the rear right-hand side tire
Right-hand side Behind the rear left-hand side tire
Rear Left-hand side In front of the front right-hand side tire
Right-hand side In front of the front left-hand side tire

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When trouble arises
533
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be
warned. Also, if you replace the compac t spare tire after the tire pressure
warning light comes on, the light remains on.
■ If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on the rear of the vehicle. Perform the fol-
lowing steps and fit tire chains to the front tires.
Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with t he tire removed from the rear of
the vehicle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. (P. 442)
■Jack point guide
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
The jack point guides are located under
the rocker panel. They indicate the jack
point positions.

534 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or serious injuries due to
the vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pu rpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat
tire. 
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for
replacing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a heigh t greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or operate the hybrid system while your vehicle is sup-
ported by the jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle may be injured.