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296 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional 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.
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313
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(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.
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315 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
3.0 mm (0.12 in.)
30.0 mm (1.18 in.)
10.0 mm (0.39 in.)
Cross chain:
4.0 mm (0.16 in.)
25.0 mm (0.98 in.)
14.0 mm (0.55 in.)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
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 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
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316 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
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 at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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.
Page 414 of 572
414 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage.
A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it
has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.
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415 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
CAUTION
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
NOTICE
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the
cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause
damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
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419
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of
handling control.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter,
rim width and inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
Wheels of different sizes or types
Used wheels
Bent wheels that have been straightened
Aluminum wheel precautions
Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use
with your aluminum wheels.
When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.
Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.
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420 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
CAUTION
When replacing wheels
Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in a loss of handling control.
Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tube-
less tire. Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious
injury.
When installing the wheel nuts
Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened,
leading to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can
cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing an acci-
dent and resulting in death or serious injury. Remove any oil or grease
from the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Use of defective wheels prohibited
Do not use cracked or deformed wheels.
Doing so could cause the tire to leak air during driving, possibly causing an
accident.
Be sure to install the wheel nuts with
the tapered ends facing inward. Install-
ing the nuts with the tapered ends fac-
ing outward can cause the wheel to
break and eventually cause the wheel
to come off while driving, which could
lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.Tapered
portion