Page 225 of 620
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
2254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes (or accelerator pedal) as necessary in the following condi-
tions as the radar sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles
ahead, and a fatal or serious accident may result:
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards
(caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment, etc.)
●When the road curves or when the
lanes are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your
position in the lane is unstable
Accelerate Accelerate
Decelerate
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
◆Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, a buzzer
sounds and a message is shown
on the multi-information display to
urge the driver to take evasive
action.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning display and buzzer. If the system determines that a
collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to reduce the
collision speed.
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision,
brakes are automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as
vehicle damage.
The alert timing for the pre-collision system can be changed or
turned ON/OFF, as necessary, by operating the switch. (P. 254)
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a
collision
If the following obstructs the front of the sensor, the system judges that a col-
lision may be possible and operates.
●When passing by a vehicle while making left or right turns or passing a vehi-
cle in an opposite lane.
●When the vehicle rapidly approaches an object in front of it (such as another
vehicle, toll gate, etc.)
●When climbing a steep hill, etc., and there are structures in the upper region
of the road (billboards, low ceilings, street lamps, etc.)
●When driving through narrow passages or places with low ceilings (bridges,
tunnels, overhead passes, etc.)
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When metal objects are on the road surface causing level differences or
protrusions in the road
●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
●When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact.
●When there is an obstacle (guardrails, etc.) on the roadside at a curve
entrance
●When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by putting a
heavy load in the luggage compartment)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the brakes will be applied with a force greater than normal.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
●When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact
●Due to greatly turning the steering wheel when an obstacle suddenly
appears ahead
Page 261 of 620

PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
2614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆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.
◆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.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift position
is in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor? (P. 558)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct
amount of free play? (P. 558)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when
the 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• Do the head restraints move smoothly and
lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-
erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move
smoothly?
• 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 correct
amount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com-
ing from the steering wheel.
Page 486 of 620
4868-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency
towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at under 3 mph (5 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Take out the towing eyelet. (P. 522)
Remove the eyelet cover using
a flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench or hard metal bar.
Emergency towing
Emergency towing procedure
1
2
3
4