2010 TOYOTA PRIUS suspension

125
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
SRS airbag precautions
● If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front, center and rear pillar garnishes, are damaged or cracked,
have them replaced by your Toyota dealer.
● Do not place anything, such as a cushion, on the front passenger’s seat.
Doing so will disperse the passenger’s weight, which prevents the sensor
from detecting the passenger’s weight properly. As a result, the SRS front
passenger airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision.
■ Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perfo rm any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer. 
The SRS airbag may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
● Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags
● Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, center and
rear pillars or roof side rail
● Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
● Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.)
● Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
● Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD
players
● Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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. 527)
■ 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 oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
system, transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

241
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Situations unsuitable for the LKA system
Using the LKA system in any of the following situations may result in
improper operation of the system and could lead to an accident, causing
death or serious injury. Turn the LKA system off while driving in any of the
following situations.
● When it is difficult to see lane markings because they are dirty or not clear
● When it is difficult to see lane markings due to rain, snow, fog or glare
● When the headlights are not bright enough due to dirt on the lenses or if
the headlight aim is not adjusted appropriately
● When a lane marking is not present, such as before tollbooths on a free-
way
● When sudden changes in the light level occur repetitively
● When there are misleading lines such as shadows, lines of snow, wheel
ruts with rain collected in them, or lines that remain after road repairs
● When driving in lanes other than the driving lane or passing lane on free-
way or motor highways
● When there is a lane closure due to road repairs or when driving in a
makeshift lane
● When the lanes are narrow or wide
● When the distance from the vehicle ahead of you is short
● When the vehicle leans to one side an unusual amount due to a heavy
load or improper tire inflation pressure
● When driving on winding roads or on uneven roads
● When driving on slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or \
snow
● The tires have been exchanged (including snow tires), or the suspension
has been modified

248 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. 
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

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