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4-6. Driving tips
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. 245)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. (P. 98)
◆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:

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
◆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.

3686-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after the “AUTO” button is pressed.
■When the outside temperature exceeds 75F (24C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
●In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically.
This may also reduce fuel consumption.
●Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch
is turned to ON mode.
●It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■After pressing
The selection frame will automatically move to the fan speed display.
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Pressing “A/C” button on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog
the windshield effectively.
●If you turn “A/C” button off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set
to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing outside air from
entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the recircu-
lated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.

PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
3696-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
■Outside temperature display
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” button 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. 581)
■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 conditioning 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. 457
■Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switching operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 575) In the following situations, the correct out-
side temperature may not be displayed, or
the display may take longer than normal
to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds
(less than 16 mph [25 km/h])
●When the outside temperature has
changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit
of a garage, tunnel, etc.)

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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
6-4. Using the other interior features
■Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Enhanced Roadside Assistance adds GPS data to the already
included warranty-based Toyota roadside service.
Subscribers can press the “SOS” button to reach a Safety Connect
response-center agent, who can help with a wide range of needs,
such as: towing, flat tire, fuel delivery, etc. For a description of the
Roadside Assistance services and their limitations, please see the
Safety Connect Terms and Conditions, which are available at
To y o t a . c o m .
Important! Read this information before using Safety Connect.
■Exposure to radio frequency signals
The Safety Connect system installed in your vehicle is a low-power
radio transmitter and receiver. It receives and also sends out radio
frequency (RF) signals.
In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for mobile wire-
less phones. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety stan-
dards previously set by the following U.S. and international
standards bodies.
●ANSI (American National Standards Institute) C95.1 [1992]
●NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measure-
ment) Report 86 [1986]
●ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection) [1996]
Those standards were based on comprehensive and periodic eval-
uations of the relevant scientific literature. Over 120 scientists, engi-
neers, and physicians from universities, and government health
agencies and industries reviewed the available body of research to
develop the ANSI Standard (C95.1).
The design of Safety Connect complies with the FCC guidelines in
addition to those standards.
Safety information for Safety Connect

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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
7-1. Maintenance and care
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.
■Note for a smart key system
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may unlock and lock repeatedly. Place the key in a position
6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being
washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:

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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or if
a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.
■Resetting the maintenance required reminder light/message indicating
maintenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is preformed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the reminder light/message.
To reset the reminder light/message, follow the procedures described below:
Switch the display to the trip meter “A” (P. 91) when the hybrid system is
operating.
Turn the power switch off.
While pressing the MPH or km/h button (P. 93), turn the power switch to
ON mode (do not start the hybrid system because otherwise the reset
mode will be canceled). Continue to press and hold the button until the trip
meter displays “000000” and the indicator stops flashing to indicate that the
reset is complete.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
●Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about the operation of
all systems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take
care of it.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
●12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. (P. 439)
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