Page 270 of 588

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
Page 271 of 588

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
Page 398 of 588
3987-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
NOTICE
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not spray the camera or its surrounding
area directly with a high pressure washer. Shock applied from high pres-
sure water may cause the device to not operate normally.
● Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts • Suspension parts
• Brake parts
Page 405 of 588

4057-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner's Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner's Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?( P. 421)
CoolantIs the engine/power control unit coolant at the
correct level? ( P. 419)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 416)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (P. 421)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 423)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery Check the connections. (P. 424)
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor? ( P. 532)
Does the brake pedal have the correct amount
of free play? ( P. 532)
Page 406 of 588

4067-2. Maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side whenthe brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints
(Adjustable type)• Do the head restraints move smoothly andlock securely?
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the parkingbrake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake lever operate nor-mally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking
brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correctamount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com-
ing from the steering wheel.
ItemsCheck points
Page 409 of 588

409
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery condition (P. 424) • Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(P. 421)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake
fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power control
unit coolant level (P. 419)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar
high quality ethylene glycol based non-sili-
cate, non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid tech-
nology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level (P. 416)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 447)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (P. 451)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and condenser
(P. 421)
Tire inflation pressure
( P. 437)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Page 415 of 588
4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (P. 447)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 417)
Engine coolant radiator cap
Power control unit
coolant reservoir ( P. 419)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 421)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 419) Engine/power control unit
coolant radiator (
P. 419)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P. 421)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 416)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 423)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Page 421 of 588
4217-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have yo ur vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary item.
Slide and lift up the rubber
strip and clips to partly
remove it as shown.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
Brake fluid
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
1