2214-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it 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 economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
2666-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
Heating/cooling capacity is restricted.
Outside/recirculated air mode automatically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside temperature.
Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected.
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
Adjust the fan speed or the setting temperature.
Turn off Eco drive mode.
Customization
The air conditioning control of Eco drive mode can be changed to the same
setting as that used in normal drive mode.
(Customizable features P. 439)
Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
2867-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly
with water.
Wipe away any water.
Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
Automatic car washes
Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle. Start
washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the antenna
and extend the mirrors before driving.
Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
Rear spoiler (if equipped) may not be washable in some automatic car
washes. There may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
High pressure car washes
Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows and door borders, and high mounted stoplight.
Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
When using a car wash (vehicles with a smart entry & start system
equipped with entry function)
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key in a position
2 m (6 ft.) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being
washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:
2967-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Make sure that the power switch is in the “LOCK” position (vehicles with-
out a smart entry & start system) or the power switch off (vehicles with a
smart entry & start system) and the “READY” indicator are both off.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system
Be sure the power switch is in the “LOCK” position.
With the power switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. (P. 307)
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. (P. 307)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
3287-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tire inflation pressure
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
Reduced fuel efficiency
Reduced driving comfort and tire life
Reduced safety
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven
for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation
pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation pres-
sure that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality and handling.
Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire infla-
tion pressure should be checked at least once per month. How-
ever, Toyota recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked
once every two weeks. (P. 435)
3728-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Low traction battery warning light
Indicates that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that one or more of the doors is not fully closed.
Check that all the side doors and back door are
closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates that remaining fuel is about 5.2 L (1.4 gal.,
1.1 lmp. gal.) or less.
Refuel the vehicle.
(On the instrument
cluster)
Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*3
Warns the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat
belts.
Fasten the seat belt.
(On the center panel)
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights
(warning buzzer)
*3
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts.
Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light (if equipped)
When the light comes on: Low tire inflation pressure such
as
• Natural causes (P. 374)
• Flat tire (P. 379, 394)
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified
level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the
light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is adjusted, have the system checked by any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
3748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
For some models, the malfunction indicator lamp will come on if the fuel tank
becomes completely empty. If the fuel tank is empty, refuel the vehicle imme-
diately. The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after several trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off, contact any authorized Toy-
ota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard because of noisy place or an
audio sound.
Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on
and the warning buzzer may sounds.
When the tire pressure warning light comes on (vehicles with a tire pres-
sure warning system)
Inspect the appearance of the tire to check that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured: P. 379, 394
If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the tire temperature has lowered suffi-
ciently.
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
If the warning light does not go out even after several minutes, check that
the tire inflation pressure is at the specified level and carry out initialization.
The warning light may come on again if the above operations are conducted
without first allowing the tire temperature to lower sufficiently.
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
(vehicles with a tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as
natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature.
In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light
(after a few minutes).
4108-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the hybrid system will not star t
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: The electronic key may
not be functioning properly. (P. 414)
There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle. (P. 206)
There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system. (P. 8 2 )
There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system.
The hybrid system may be malfunctioning due to an electrical prob-
lem such as electronic key battery depletion or a blown fuse. How-
ever, depending on the type of malfunction, an interim measure is
available to start the hybrid system. (P. 411)
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
The 12-volt battery may be discharged. (P. 415)
The 12-volt battery terminal connections may be loose or corroded.
(P. 310)
Reasons for the hybrid system not starting vary depending on
the situation. Check the following and perform the appropriate
procedure:
The hybrid system will not start even though the correct starting
procedure is being followed. (P. 176, 180)
The interior lights and headlights are dim, or the horn does not
sound or sounds at a low volume.