2014 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN Owners Manual

351
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
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 a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
●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.

352
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
■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 e n s u r e p r o p e r o p e r a t i o n o f t he climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
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.

353
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
2
When driving
Selecting tire chains
Use the tire chains of correct size and type.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains except radial cable chains
or V-bar type chains.
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 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

354
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
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.
■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 acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

355
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
2
When driving
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.

356
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
Tr ailer towing
To y o ta d o e s n o t r e c o m m e n d t o w i n g a trailer with your vehicle.
To y o ta a l s o d o e s n o t r e c o m m e n d t h e i n s ta l l a t i o n o f a t o w h i t c h o r
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s n o t d e s i g n e d f o r t railer towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.

357
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
2
When driving
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To a v o i d s e r i o u s d a m a g e t o y o u r v e h i c l e
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s n o t d e s i g n e d t o b e d i n g h y t o w e d ( w i t h 4 w h e e l s o n
the ground) behind a motor home.

358
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)