2012 TOYOTA PRIUS stability control

296
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.

299
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
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 uneven surfaces
■ 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 system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

617
Abbreviation list
OBDOn Board Diagnostics
PCSPre-Collision System
PWRPower
SRSSupplemental Restraint System
TINTire Identification Number
TPMSTire Pressure Monitoring (Warning) System
TRACTraction Control
TWITreadwear Indicator
VINVehicle Identification Number
VSCVehicle Stability Control
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING

627
Alphabetical index
Tonneau cover......................... 377
Tools......................................... 523
Touch tracer display ............... 215
Total load capacity .................. 316
Towing
Dinghy towing ....................... 323
Emergency towing ................ 486
Trailer towing ........................ 322
TRAC ........................................ 296
Traction control ....................... 296
Trailer towing........................... 322
Transmission Hybrid transmission .............. 202
P position switch................... 205
Trip information....................... 229
Trip meter................................. 214
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 467
Switch ................................... 211
Wattage ................................ 570
USB port
*................................ 352
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................... 365
Wattage ................................ 570
Vanity mirrors .......................... 365
Vehicle control and operation
data recording ......................... 24
Vehicle identification
number................................... 561
Vehicle proximity notification system ..................................... 32
Vehicle stability control .......... 296
VSC ........................................... 296 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................493
Open door ............................498
Seat belt reminder .................498
Warning lights
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..................................495
Automatic headlight leveling
system ................................497
Brake system ................493, 496
Charging system .... ...............494
Cruise control ........................497
Electric power steering system ................................495
High coolant temperature ......494
Hybrid system .......................495
Low fuel level ........................498
Low tire pressure...................499
Malfunction indicator lamp ....495
Open door .............................498
Pre-collision system ..............496
Radar cruise control. .............497
Seat belt warning light ...........498
Slip indicator..........................496
SRS airbags ..........................495
Tire pressure warning light ....499U
V
W
GW Refer to