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5-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the TRAC, VSC an d/or ABS is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
4815-5. Using the driving support systems
5
Driving
WARNING
■When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
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5-6. 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 ch\
ains.
■ Consumption of fuel and electricity
In cold temperatures, resistance of the parts of a vehicle (transmission, tires,
etc.) generally increases, resulting in increase of energy consumption. As a
result, fuel economy is likely to decrease.
Consumption of fuel and electricity of this vehicle is also likely to become
worse in cold temperatures.
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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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
4855-6. Driving tips
5
Driving
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
Page 496 of 784

4966-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)■
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 i mmediately after the air conditioning
system is started in automatic mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 620
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switching operation) can be changed. (Customizable
features: →P. 732)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use
during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
Do not touch the rear view mirror surf aces when the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are on.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
5076-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
■ To prevent burns
Do not touch the rear view mirror surf aces when the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are on.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 512 of 784
5126-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
WARNING
■Precautions for the Remote Air Conditioning System
● Do not use the system if people are in the vehicle.
Even when the system is in use, the internal temperature may still reach a
high or low level due to features such as the automatic shut-off. Children
and pets left inside the vehicle may suffer heatstroke dehydration or hypo-
thermia or could result in death or serious injury.
● Depending on the surrounding environment, signals from the wireless
switch may transmit further than expected. Pay appropriate attention to
the vehicle’s surroundings and use the switch only when necessary.
● Do not operate “A/C” if the hood is open. The air conditioning may operate
unintentionally and objects may be drawn into the electrical cooling fan.
NOTICE
■To prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from being discharged
through incorrect operation
Use “A/C” only when necessary.
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6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
Heated steering wheel∗/seat heaters
∗: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the
steering wheel and front seats, respectively.
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel and seats when the heater is on\
:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.