2010 TOYOTA PRIUS snow chains

247
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

261
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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/power control unit 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.

264 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Regulations on the use of tire chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■Tire chains
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
● Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.

265
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers. 
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

445
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if
they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■ If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■ Low profile tires (vehic les with 17-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance
will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive
carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
■
Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the re placement 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.
For the GAWR, see the Certification
Label. For the maximum load of the
tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the
sidewall of the tire.( P. 572)

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.

5
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.

607
Alphabetical index
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Smart key system
Antenna location............... 46, 58
Entry function ......................... 43
Starting the hybrid system .... 162
Solar Ventilation System ................................... 282
Spare tire Inflation pressure .................. 565
Storage location ................... 524
Spark plug................................ 562
Specifications .......................... 556
Speedometer ........................... 181
Steering wheel Adjustment ............................. 92
Audio switches ..................... 323
Storage compartment ............. 367
Storage feature ........................ 367
Stuck If your vehicle becomes 
stuck................................... 553
Sun visors ................................ 376
Switch Driving mode select 
switch ................................. 172
Emergency flasher switch .... 486
Fog light switch..................... 209
Ignition switch ....................... 162
Light switches ....................... 206
Power door lock switch........... 67
“POWER” switch .................. 162
Power window switch ............. 98
Ventilation switch.................. 282
Window lock switch ................ 98
Wipers and washer switch.... 210
Tail lights Switch ................................... 206
Talk switch ............................... 329
Telephone switch .................... 329 Theft deterrent system
Immobilizer system ...............108
Theft prevention labels............110
Tire inflation pressure .............565
Tire information Glossary ................................579
Size .......................................575
Tire identification number ......574
Uniform tire quality grading ...577
Tires Chains ...................................263
Checking ...............................441
Compact spare tire ................525
If you have a flat tire ..............524
Inflation pressure...................565
Information ............................572
Pressure warning system ......442
Replacing ..............................524
Rotating tires .........................441
Size .......................................565
Snow tires .............................264
Spare tire...............................525
Tonneau cover .........................385
Tools .........................................524
Total load capacity...................260
Towing Dinghy towing........................267
Emergency towing.................487
Trailer towing.........................266
TRAC .........................................245
Traction control........................245
Trailer towing ...........................266
Transmission “P” position switch .................174
Transmission .........................171
Trip information .......................188
Trip meter .................................188
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs .............472
Switch....................................178
Wattage .................................567
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