2016 TOYOTA PRIUS C Owners Manual

2654-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill-start assist control
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.

2664-6. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
■When the TRAC/VSC /ABS are activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, 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, TRAC 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.

267
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
4-7. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 370)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 102)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but el ectricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerati on and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

2684-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
◆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 fu el 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 avoi ding 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 br akes. 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 eng ine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehi cle 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 infl ation 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.

2694-7. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
◆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.

2704-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t 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 accordin g 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.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Winter driving tips
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.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle

2714-7. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prev ent inadvertent sliding
or creeping.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.12 in. [3.0 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4.0 mm] in diameter)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Al ways check local regulations before installing
chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en 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.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains

2724-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
■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.
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.