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2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
CAUTION
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving. 
Doing so  may result  in a  loss of  vehicle  control  that can  cause accidents,
resulting in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed  capability  tires.  Driving  over  85  mph  (140  km/h)  may  result  in  tire
failure,  loss  of  control  and  possible  injury.  Be  sure  to  consult  a  tire  dealer
to  determine  whether  the  tires  on  your  vehicle  are  high-speed  capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden  braking,  acceleration  and  steering  may  cause  tire  slippage  and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the  brakes  are  functioning  properly.  Wet  brake  pads  may  prevent  the
brakes  from  functioning  properly.  If  the  brakes  on  only  one  side  are  wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident. 
235
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When changing the shift position
Be  careful  not  to  change  the  shift  position  with  the  accelerator  pedal
depressed. 
Changing the shift position to any positions other than P or N may cause the
vehicle to accelerate abruptly, causing an accident and resulting in death or
serious injury.
After changing the shift position, make sure to confirm the current shift posi-
tion displayed on the shift position indicator inside the meter.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-
sible. 
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed. 
It  is  dangerous  to  drive  the  vehicle  when  the  wear  limits  of  the  brake  pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded. 
473
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess  moisture  in  the  brake  fluid  can  cause  a  dangerous  loss  of  braking
efficiency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Ta k e   c a r e   a s   b r a k e   f l u i d   c a n   h a r m   y o u r   h a n d s   a n d   e y e s   a n d   d a m a g e   p a i n t e d
surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It  is  normal  for  the  brake  fluid  level  to  go  down  slightly  as  the  brake  pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.