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4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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 (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( →P. 318)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 1 1 9 )
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when st opped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the sh ift 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 cond itioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction batter y) 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.
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
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PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
4114-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆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 larg e 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 wi ll cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
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4-6. Driving tips
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 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.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
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4-6. Driving tips
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when 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.
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 specified size.
● 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.
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
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5186-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)■
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.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
● In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize 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
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off Eco drive mode
● Even when the drive mode is set to Eco drive mode, the air conditioning eco
mode can be turned off by pressing .
■ When the outside temperat ure falls to nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let the 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.
● In order to suppress odors that occur when the air conditioning system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
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. 620
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 748)
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7Maintenance and care
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 566
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 572
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 577
General maintenance........ 580
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 583
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 584
Hood ................................. 587
Positioning a floor jack ...... 589
Engine compartment ......... 590
Tires .................................. 604
Tire inflation pressure ....... 614
Wheels .............................. 617
Air conditioning filter.......... 620
Wiper rubber replacement .................... 623
Electronic key battery........ 627
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 630
Headlight aim .................... 633
Light bulbs......................... 635
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7-1. Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■ When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield
wipers)
● When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
● If something bumps against the windshield
● If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into
the raindrop sensor
■ Precautions regarding the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has
cooled sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
■ Precaution regarding the rear bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (if
equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may mal-
function. If this occurs, consult your Toyota dealer.
Set the wiper switch to off.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wip-
ers may operate unexpectedly in the fol-
lowing situations, and may result in
hands being caught or other serious inju-
ries and cause damage to the wiper
blades.
● When the upper part of the windshield
where the raindrop sensor is located is
touched by hand
Off
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5797-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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 chemic als 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. 597)