271
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle 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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (→P. 255)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 118)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration 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.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
2724-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(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.
2734-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(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.
2865-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
● To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
• Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. ( →P. 480)
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air condi tioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
→ P. 357
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switching operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 477)
3106-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
●Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle. Start
washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the antenna
and extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
● Roof antenna and rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car
washes. There may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:
3226-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■ When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the “POWER ON” on the multi-information display or the
smart entry & start system indicator, and the “READY” indicator are both
off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom-
fort, consult a doctor.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( →P. 334)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
3536-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
6
Maintenance and care
Tire inflation pressure
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel economy
● Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
● Reduced tire life due to wear
● Reduced safety
● Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
● Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven
for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation
pressure reading.
● Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appear-
ance.
● It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is
generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.
● Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire infla-
tion pressure should be checked at least once per month. How-
ever, Toyota recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked
once every two weeks. ( →P. 473)
3917-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
7
When trouble arises
(If equipped)
Hybrid system overheat warning light (warning buzzer)The hybrid system has overheated
This light may come on when driving under severe operat-
ing conditions, and the output of the hybrid system may
temporarily decrease in order to protect the system. (For
example, when driving up a long steep hill or driving up a
steep hill in reverse.)
→ Stop and check. ( →P. 457)
(If equipped)
Cruise control indicator (yellow indicator)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control
→ Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
(Only outer frame flashes)
(If equipped)
Low hybrid battery (traction battery) warning light
(warning buzzer)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) level becomes low
because the shift position is in N for long time
→ Because recharging is not possible when the shift
position is in N, shift the shift position to P when
parking the vehicle for a long time.
High coolant temperature warning light
Changes from a flashing to a solid light when the engine
coolant temperature increases
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
(→ P. 457)
Automatic headlight leveling system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling
system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*3
Indicates that a door is not fully closed
→ Check that all the doors are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 6.0 L (1.6
gal., 1.3 Imp.gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions