5497-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms
When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield pull the driver side
wiper arm upward first, and repeat for the passenger’s side. When returning
the wipers to their original position, do so from the passenger’s side first.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
● Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ When using an automatic car wash
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper
blades may be damaged.
5547-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
■Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
■Cleaning the air intake vents and filters
●Dust on the air intake vents or filters may interferes cooling of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and results in poor electricity and fuel consumption.
Clean the air intake vents and filters periodically.
●If continuing to drive the vehicle with “Maintenance required for Traction bat-
tery cooling parts See owner’s manual” shown on the multi-information dis-
play, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat, leading to
decreasing in distance that can be driven using the electric motor. It may
cause poor electricity and fuel consumption or a malfunction. If the warning
message is shown, clean the air intake vents and filters immediately.
●Improper handling may result in damage to the grille or filters. If you have
any concerns about cleaning the filters, contact any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
●If the warning message on the multi-information display does not disappear
after cleaning the filters, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
●Timing of cleaning filters differs depending on the use environment of the
vehicle.
5567-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
NOTICE
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
■ When cleaning the inside of the windshield
Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens.
( P. 3 6 1 )
■ Cleaning the inside of the rear window
● Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the
window in strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna.
● Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.
■ When cleaning the air intake vents and filters
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause damage to
the vehicle.
● When removing the air intake vent grille, make sure to turn the power
switch off to stop the hybrid system.
● Do not use water or other liquid to clean the air intake vents or filters.
● Do not allow water or foreign matter to enter the air intake vent when the
grille is removed.
● Carefully handle the removed filters not to damage.
If the filter is damaged, have it replac ed with a new filter by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
● Make sure to reinstall the filters and vents to its original positions after
cleaning.
The shape of the left side and right side filters are different. When remov-
ing both filters, be careful not to mistake the left-right installation direction.
● Do not install anything but the filters exclusive for this vehicle to the air
intake vents or use the vehicle without installing the filters.
5577-2. Maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
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Maintenance and care
Maintenance requirements
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.
For full details of your maintenance schedule, refer to the “Toyota Service
Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and
skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an
experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend that repairs and
maintenance be conducted by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional. Any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could be useful
should you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a
qualified and equipped professional other than an authorized Toyota
repairer to service or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you
request that a record of maintenance be kept.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. Toyota recommends the follow-
ing maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance
5587-2. Maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota recom-
mends that maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and
repairs be carried out by authorized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly
qualified and equipped professionals. For repairs and services covered by
your warranty, please visit an authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will
use genuine Toyota parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter.
There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network
will be able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably
and economically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (P. 644, 688)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
5697-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, service station or auto parts store for
information concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
5717-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non- nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 C [-31F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■ When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
5727-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
■ When the electric cooling fans are operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
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. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille.