2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

313 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)

314 2-4. Using other driving systems
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CAUTION
Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
Do not overly rely on the pre-crash safety system. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other
road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is
intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of
LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system
can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in
front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism
that allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can
assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver
to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
Assisting the driver in making correct judgement
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has
detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there
is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable
of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely.
For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must
take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all
involved.

315 2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function
effectively:
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.

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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

317 2-5. Driving information
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than
the seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle
in the event of sudden braking or in an accident.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item
may get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from
being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or pas-
sengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

318 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure
someone in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be place directly
behind the front seats.
Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or seri-
ous bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
NOTICE
If luggage is loaded on the roof (vehicles with a panoramic roof)
Observe the following precautions. Failure to observe them could lead to the
roof rack being damaged or deformed, or the roof rack falling off.
Do not install a roof rack which inter-
feres with the panoramic roof.
Do not load luggage directly onto the
panoramic roof.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 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.

320 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to the 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.