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2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)■
About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, rel easing the accelerator pedal will apply
engine braking.
• When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gasoline- fueled vehicles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that of
other vehicles.
• The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, select the D position.
■ Automatically P position selection function
When the shift position is in a position other than P, pressing the power switch
with the vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to change to
P automatically, and then the power switch will turn off.
■ If the shift position cannot be shifted from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt
battery in this situation. ( →P. 439)
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
→ P. 328
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 465)
WARNING
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ For the shift lever
Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota
shift lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
■ P position switch
Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, directly before stopping the vehicle), the vehicle may stop sud-
denly when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.
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2634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
◆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.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
Page 264 of 496
2644-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
◆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.
Page 265 of 496

265
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
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 the 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 accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
Page 299 of 496
299
6Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 300
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 305
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements.................... 308
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ...................... 311
Hood .................................. 313
Positioning a floor jack ....... 315
Engine compartment.......... 317
12-volt battery .................... 327
Tires ................................... 331
Tire inflation pressure ........ 343
Wheels ............................... 345
Air conditioning filter .......... 347
Wiper rubber replacement ..................... 349
Electronic key battery ........ 351
Checking and replacing fuses ................................ 353
Light bulbs ......................... 357
Page 309 of 496

3096-2. Maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
6
Maintenance and care
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota recom-
mends that maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and
repairs be carried out by authorized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly
qualified and equipped professionals. For repairs and services covered by
your warranty, please visit an authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will
use genuine Toyota parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter.
There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network
will be able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably
and economically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
■ Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
● Appreciable loss of power
● Strange engine noises
● A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
● Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)
● Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
● Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
● Strange noises related to suspension movement
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
● Engine coolant temperature c ontinually higher than normal ( →P. 380, 444)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
Page 319 of 496
3196-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
6
Maintenance and care
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert
the dipstick fully with its pro-
truding areas ( in the illus-
tration) pointing towards
engine.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
1
Page 320 of 496
3206-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
5
1
2
3
XFlat dipstick XNon-flat dipstick
Measuring side
6