2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V fuel consumption

53
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■
Air conditioning on/off
Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not needed.
Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode.
Doing so will help to reduce t he burden on the air conditioner
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut
out until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are
warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
■ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently.
Improper tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consump-
tion.
Also, as snow tires can cause lar ge amounts of friction, their use
on dry roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is
appropriate for the season.
■ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack
can also cause poor fuel consumption.
■ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover,
frequently driving s hort distances will ca use the engine to
repeatedly warm up, which can lead to poor fuel consumption.

198 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Trip information display
Displays fuel consumption, driving range, etc.
Odometer and trip meter display
Odometer: Displays the total distance that the vehicle has been
driven.
Trip meter: Displays the distan ce the vehicle has been driven
since the meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and
“B” can be used to record and display different dis-
tances independently.
Clock
 P. 316

201
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
Trip information display
■ Current fuel consumption
■ Average fuel consumption Displays the instant fuel consumption.
The average fuel consumption is displayed on
both the odometer and the trip meter.
• While the odometer is being displayed, or
when the odometer/trip meter are not being
displayed, the average fuel consumption
from the last rese t will be displayed.
• While the trip meter is being displayed, the average fuel consumpt ion will be displayed
in accordance with the trip meter distance
from the last reset.
• The function can be reset by pressing the
“DISP” button for longer than 1 second when
the average fuel consumption is displayed.
• Use the displayed average fuel consumption
as a reference.

202 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■Cruising range
■ “SET” screen Displays the estimated
maximum distance that
can be driven with the quantity of fuel remain-
ing.
• This distance is computed based on your average fuel consumption.
As a result, the actual distance that can be
driven may differ from that displayed.
• When only a small amount of fuel is added to the tank, the display may not be updated.
When refueling, turn the “POWER” switch
off. If the vehicle is refueled without turning
the “POWER” switch off, the display may not
be updated.
The items displayed on Hy brid System Indica-
tor can be setup. ( P. 205)

207
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even
when vehicle operation and driving conditions are the same.
■ Brightness of the instrument panel light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument panel lights will dim.
■ When disconnecting and reconnect ing 12-volt battery terminals
The average fuel consumption and cruising range will be reset.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning light
comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 487)
■ The trip information disp lay at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.