Page 239 of 552

2394-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, 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 and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆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. 
     
        
        Page 240 of 552
2404-6. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
◆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. 
     
        
        Page 346 of 552

3466-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from  entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated  air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature. 
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculat ed air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
“POWER” switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing  .
■ When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when   is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air condi tioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioni ng system is started in automatic
mode. 
     
        
        Page 545 of 552

545Alphabetical index
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Floor mat .................................... 24
FluidBrake .................................... 496
Washer ................................. 393
Fog lights
Replacing light bulbs............. 427
Switch ................................... 205
Front fog lights Replacing light bulbs............. 427
Switch ................................... 205
Front passenger occupant 
classification system .............. 50
Front passenger’s seat  belt reminder light................. 443
Front seats Adjustment ............................ 145
Front side marker lights
Replacing light bulbs............. 422
Switch ................................... 201
Wattage ................................ 498
Front turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs............. 424
Switch ................................... 199
Wattage ................................ 498
Fuel Capacity ................................ 492
Fuel gauge .............................. 91
Information ............................ 499
Refueling............................... 214
Type .............................. 214, 492
Fuel door .................................. 214
Fuel filler door.......................... 214
Fuses ........................................ 416
Gauges ....................................... 91
Glove box ................................. 353 Hazard lights
Switch ................................... 430
Head restraints Adjusting .............................. 150
Headlights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 427
Switch ................................... 201
Heaters Seat heaters ......................... 348
Side mirrors .......................... 342
Hill-start assist control ........... 232
Hood ......................................... 382
Horn .......................................... 153
Hybrid system
Emergency shut off system .... 77
Energy monitor/consumption screen ........... 107
High voltage components ....... 76
Hybrid system indicator ........ 102
“POWER” switch................... 186
Vehicle Proximity  Notification System .............. 72
I/M test ...................................... 378
Identification Engine .................................. 492
Tire ....................................... 502
Vehicle .................................. 491
Ignition switch ................. 182, 186
Illuminated entry system ........ 351
Immobilizer system ................... 82
Indicator lights........................... 86
Initialization Items to initialize ................... 519
Inside rear view mirror ............ 155
Interior lights Switch ................................... 350
Wattage ................................ 498
iPod........................................... 272
F
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