2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V fuel

52
1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
■ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving th e fuel economy. (P. 187)
■ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 203)
■ When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-
ing down.
■ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic
reports before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible.
When encountering a delay, gently release the brake pedal to
allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse
of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive
gasoline consumption.
■ Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be reta ined when slowing down.

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.

115
1
Before driving
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
1-6. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap
Perform the following steps to open the fuel tank cap:
■Before refueling the vehicle
Turn the “POWER” switch off and close all the doors and win-
dows.
■ Opening the fuel tank cap
Pull up the opener to open the
fuel filler door.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly
to open.
Hang the fuel tank cap on the
back of the fuel filler door.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

116 1-6. Refueling
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Closing the fuel tank capAfter refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap until you hear a click. Once
the cap is released, it will turn
slightly in the opposite direction.
■Fuel types
Use unleaded gasoline. (Octane rating 87 [Research Octane Number 91] or
higher)
■ Fuel tank capacity
Approximately 11.9 gal. (45 L, 9.9 Imp. gal.)

117
1-6. Refueling
1
Before driving
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■
When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so may result in death or serious injury.
● After exiting the vehicle and before opening the fuel filler door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge any st atic electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refueling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors to ignite while refueling.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out of the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition
hazard.
■ When refueling
Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the fuel filler neck. If fuel is added with
the nozzle slightly lifted away from the fuel filler neck, the automatic shut off
function may not operate, resulting in fuel overflowing from the tank.
■ When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in
death or serious injury.

118 1-6. Refueling
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the emission control
system to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the
vehicle’s painted surface.

166 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 498)
■ For efficient use
● Shift the shift position to D when driving.
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated. The hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, requiring
unnecessary engine power to recharge.
● Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effective use of the electric motor (traction
motor) without having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving
with the accelerator pedal slightly released.
● Shift the shift position to P when parking.
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.
Leaving the shift position in the N position for an extended period of time
may discharge the hybrid battery (traction battery). The vehicle cannot
run if the hybrid battery (traction battery) is discharged.
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid sys-
tem operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

184 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer
will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
● Vehicle speed becomes high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up to about 1.3 mile (2 km) \
if driving
at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (The distance that is possible
depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)
■ Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV drive mode can be used in conjunction with Eco drive mode and power
mode.
However, EV drive mode may be automatically canceled when used in con-
junction with power mode.
■ Fuel economy
PRIUS v is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
CAUTION
■While driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.