2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN wheel

328
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Driving assist systems
To h e l p e n h a n c e d r i v i n g s a f e t y and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily 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.

330
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
•Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
•A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
•The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
•The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system 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 EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light
→P. 5 4 0

332
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size and of the same brand, tread
pattern and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are
inflated to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

350
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To e n s u r e p r o p e r o p e r a t i o n o f t he climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the
wheel under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The
parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or
creeping.

352
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the size specified.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure 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 acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

354
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Tr ailer towing
To y o ta d o e s n o t r e c o m m e n d t o w i n g a trailer with your vehicle.
To y o ta a l s o d o e s n o t r e c o m m e n d t h e i n s ta l l a t i o n o f a t o w h i t c h o r
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s n o t d e s i g n e d f o r t railer towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.

355
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To a v o i d s e r i o u s d a m a g e t o y o u r v e h i c l e
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s n o t d e s i g n e d t o b e d i n g h y t o w e d ( w i t h 4 w h e e l s o n
the ground) behind a motor home.

369
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3
Interior features
Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches
Adjusting the temperature setting
Press “∧” on to increase the temperature and “∨” to decrease
the temperature.
Changing the outside air or recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air mode
each time the switch is pressed.
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Te m p e r a t u r e c o n t r o l
Outside air or recirculated
air mode