Page 298 of 644

298 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
CAUTION
■Before using the LKA system
Do not rely solely on the LKA system. The LKA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to
take. As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for under-
standing his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct the
driving line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
■ To avoid operating the LKA by mistake
Switch the LKA off using the “LKA” switch when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for LKA
Do not use LKA in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
●When driving with snow tires, tire c hains, a spare tire, or similar equipment
● When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pres-
sure is low.
● When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be mis-
interpreted as lane markers (such as guardrails, curb, reflector posts, etc.)
● When driving on snowy roads
● When pavement lane markers are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog,
etc.
● When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road
● When driving on slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or
snow
● When driving in a lane other than the driving or passing lanes on a freeway
or highway
● When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when
driving in a temporary lane
● During emergency towing
Page 301 of 644

301
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
Page 303 of 644

303
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
2
When driving
■Sounds and vibrati ons caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ 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.
*: If the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system (if equipped) cannot operate in this case, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 5 1 1
Page 305 of 644
305
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
2
When driving
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 your Toyota dealer 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.
Page 314 of 644
314 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or lessen
damage or injuries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to
do so may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of colli-
sions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation
(P. 310, 311). As a result, the same level of performance may not be
expected in all cases. Also, the pre-collision brakes may not operate if the
driver is depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the
system will determine such conditions as collision avoidance operations.
Page 324 of 644

324 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(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 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.
● 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.
Page 326 of 644
326 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
■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.
● Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system (if equipped).
Page 328 of 644
328
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Your vehicle is not designed for tra iler towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.