2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN tires

9
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Tires
●Rotation
●Replacement
●Inflation pressure
●Information
P. 476
P. 448
P. 619
P. 625
Rear side marker lights P. 292
Side doors P. 134
Tail lights P. 292
∗:If equipped
*:Refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual” or “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
Rear turn signal lights P. 254
License plate lights P. 292
Camera*
Back door P. 140
Rear window wiper∗ P. 304
Rear window defoggers P. 375
Charging port P. 73

69
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If there
is improper tire inflation pressure in the tires, the driving range
when in EV mode will become shorter, and fuel consumption
when in HV mode will increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use
on dry roads can lead to increased fuel and electricity consump-
tion.
■Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can require excessive energy. Avoid
leaving unnecessary luggage in the vehicle.
Also, equipping a large roof rack can cause excessive energy
consumption in the same way as carrying heavy luggage.
■Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.

226
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control is available. (→P. 3 3 3 )
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■Breaking in your new Toyota
To e x t e n d t h e l i f e o f t h e v e h i c l e , o b s e r v i n g t h e f o l l o w i n g p r e c a u t i o n s i s r e c -
ommended:
●For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 600 miles (1000 km):
•Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
•Avoid sudden acceleration.
•Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

230
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents,
resulting in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.

331
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (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, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:
●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.

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.

348
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Ve h i cl e l o a d l i m i t s
■To ta l l o a d c a pa c i t y a n d s e a t i n g c a pa c i t y
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (→P. 4 8 6 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Ve h i c l e l oa d l i m i ts i n c l u d e t o ta l l o a d c a pa c i t y, s e a t i ng c a pa c i t y,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■To ta l l o a d c a pa c i t y ( v e h i c l e c a pa c i t y w e i g h t ) : →P. 6 1 0
To t a l l o a d c a p a c i t y m e a n s t h e c o m b i n e d w e i g h t o f o c c u p a n t s ,
cargo and luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■To w i n g c a pa c i t y
To y o t a d o e s n o t r e c o m m e n d t o w i n g a t r a i l e r w i t h y o u r v e h i c l e .
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

349
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
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 condition of the 12-volt
battery.
●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.