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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Tips for extending the distance that can be driven in EV mode
The distance that can be driven in EV mode varies significantly
depending on how the vehicle is driven, road conditions, the weather,
the outside temperature, usage co nditions of electrical components
and the number of occupants.
The distance that can be driven in EV mode can be extended if the
following is performed:
● Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoid unnec-
essary acceleration and deceleration
● Accelerate and decelerate the v ehicle as smoothly as possible
● Drive at moderate speeds as much as possible and maintain a
constant speed
● Set the air conditioning to a moderate temperature and turn the air
conditioning system off when it is not needed
● Use tires of the specified size and maintain the specified tire pres-
sure
● Use the EV/HV mode selection switch to drive in HV mode when
driving on a highway
Electricity consumption will incr ease substantially when driving on
a highway in EV mode.
● Do not add unnecessary weight to the vehicle
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356 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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.
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358 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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.
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2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
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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.
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463
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■When replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, contact your
Toyota dealer as the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is
used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon
as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 482)
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484 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Registering ID codesThe tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to regi ster the ID code. Have the ID code
registered by your Toyota dealer.
■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 c annot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pre ssure warning system will not work properly. After
driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for
1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.
■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.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system doe s not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.
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489
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact your
Toyota dealer as the tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled
correctly.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is
used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon
as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 482)
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or pot-
holes.
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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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■Proper inflation is critical
to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions
may occur and result in an accident causing death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resu lting from overheated tires
●Poor sealing of the tire bead
●Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
●A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
Without the valve caps, dirt or mo isture could get into the valve and
cause air leakage, which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost,
replace them as soon as possible.