2018 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID brake

5195-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating

5205-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release
.
The “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■ Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: Pre-crash brake assist and pre-crash braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. ( P. 6 7 3 )
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Disabling the TRC system

5215-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 672
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.

5225-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
●The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)
●The vehicle is stopped
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed
●The parking brake is not engaged
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●Shift the shift position to P or N
●The accelerator pedal is depressed
●The parking brake is engaged
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal will
operate:
●The emergency flashers are off
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph)
●The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge
from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned on
●The brake pedal is released
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation

5235-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
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 t he 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
■ TRC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC/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 TRC, VSC and/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.

5255-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
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 inspect 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 according 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. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

5265-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If the vehicle is
parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle
to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
3.0 mm (0.12 in.)
30.0 mm (1.18 in.)
10.0 mm (0.39 in.)
Cross chain
4.0 mm (0.16 in.)
25.0 mm (0.98 in.)
14.0 mm (0.55 in.)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains

5285-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
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 at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the 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 50 km/h (30 mph), 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.
● Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control).
■ 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.
NOTICE
■ Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate
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.