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4-2. Driving procedures
■About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator pedal will apply
engine braking.
• When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gasoline-
fueled vehicles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that of
other vehicles.
• The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, select the D position.
■ Automatically P positi on selection function
When the shift position is in a position other than P, pressing the power switch
with the vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to change to
P automatically, and then the power switch will turn off.
■ If the shift position cannot be shifted from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt
battery in this situation. ( P. 541)
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 443
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 577)
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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 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, ve hicle’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_OM47B23U_(U)
7Maintenance and care
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 408
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 412
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 415
General maintenance........ 418
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 421
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 422
Hood ................................. 424
Positioning a floor jack ...... 426
Engine compartment ......... 428
12-volt battery ................... 442
Tires .................................. 446
Tire inflation pressure ....... 455
Wheels .............................. 458
Air conditioning filter.......... 460
Wiper rubber replacement .................... 462
Electronic key battery........ 464
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 466
Light bulbs......................... 469
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 437)
Engine/power control
unit coolantIs the engine/power control unit coolant at the
correct level? (P. 434)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 430)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (P. 436)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 440)
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. (P. 442)
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors• Do the doors operate smoothly?
Engine hood• Does the engine hood lock system work prop-erly?
Fluid leaks• There should not be any signs of fluid leakageafter the vehicle has been parked.
Tires
• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged or exces-sively worn.
• Have the tires been rotated according to the
maintenance schedule?
• The wheel nuts should not be loose.
Windshield wipers/
rear window wiper
• The wiper blades should not show any signs
of cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or
deformation.
• The wiper blades should clear the windshield/
rear window without streaking or skipping.
WARNING
■If the hybrid system is operating
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance checks.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system , wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert
the dipstick fully with its pro-
truding areas ( in the illus-
tration) pointing towards
engine.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
1
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
4317-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
5
1
2
3
Flat dipstickNon-flat dipstick
Measuring side
6
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■ Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selectionP. 558
Oil quantity (Low Full)1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
ItemsClean funnel
1
2
3