2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V snow chains

254 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■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 (warning buzzer)
 P. 453
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (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 in the following situ-
ations:
● 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.

273
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
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 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.
■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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.

275
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
rear tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
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.

276 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■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 turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly\
when tire chains are fitted.

454 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■If the tire pressure warning system is not functioning
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby
●If a radio set at a similar frequency is in use in the vehicle
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the
wheels or wheel housings
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used

5
When trouble arises
471
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Pass the belt through the buckle
and secure the tire firmly. Check
that the belt is securely held by
the buckle.
The belt cannot be fastened
securely if the buckle is facing
the wrong direction.
STEP 4
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identifi
ed by the label “TEMPORARY USE
ONLY” on the tire sidewall.
Use the compact spare tire temporarily, and only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure of the compact spare
tire. ( P. 504)
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. (P. 391)
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be
indicated by the tire pressure warning system. Also, if you replace the
compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning light comes on, the
light remains on.
■If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on one of the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Perform the following steps and fit tire chains to the front tires:
Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with the tire removed from the rear of
the vehicle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

560 Alphabetical index
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Tail lightsSwitch.................................... 213
Talk switch
*
Telephone switch*
Theft deterrent system Immobilizer system ............... 119
Theft prevention labels............121
Tire inflation pressure ............. 398
Tire information Glossary ................................517
Size ....................................... 513
Tire identification number ......512
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................... 515
Tires
Chains ...................................274
Checking ............................... 389
Compact spare tire ................462
If you have a flat tire ..............462
Inflation pressure...................398
Inflation pressure sensor ....... 390
Information ............................ 510
Replacing ..............................462
Rotating tires .........................389
Size ....................................... 504
Snow tires ............................. 273
Spare tire............................... 462
Tire pressure warning system ........................389, 449 Tonneau cover ......................... 330
Tools ......................................... 462
Total load capacity .................. 272
Towing
Dinghy towing ....................... 278
Emergency towing ................ 438
Trailer towing ........................ 277
TRAC ......................................... 252
Traction control ....................... 252
Trailer towing ........................... 277
Transmission Hybrid transmission .............. 185
P position switch ................... 188
Trip information ....................... 201
Trip meter ................................. 198
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 421
Switch ................................... 194
Wattage................................. 506
USB port
*
Vanity lights Vanity lights........................... 315
Wattage................................. 506
Vanity mirrors .......................... 315
Vehicle data recordings ............ 22
Vehicle identification number ................................... 497
Vehicle proximity notification system.................. 32
Vehicle stability control .......... 252
VSC ........................................... 252
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