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4397-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U■
When the initializati
on of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed i n a few minutes. However, in the following
cases, the settings have not been record ed and the system will not oper-
ate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pre ssure settings
are unsuccessful, have the vehicl e inspected by your Toyota dealer.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure
warning light does not blink 3 times.
●After driving for a certain period of time since the initializa tion has been
completed, the warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute.
■Tire pressure warning system certification
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico
For vehicles sold in Canada
Page 440 of 596
4407-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accide nt
resulting in death o r serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different ma kes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of re markably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other th an those recommended by Toyota.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted o r bias-ply
tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have b een used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not kn ow how they were used previous ly.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first
adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. O therwise, the
tire pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire in flation
pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pres sure is
actually normal.
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4417-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not hand led
correctly.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps othe r than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmi t-
ters
When a tire is repaired with liqui d sealants, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sea lant is
used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon
as possible. Make sure to replac e the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P. 4 3 4 )
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when drivi ng on roads with loose surfaces or pot-
holes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing
the cushioning ability of the t ires. In addition, driving on ro ugh roads
may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicl e’s
wheels and body.
■Low profile tires (vehicles with P195/50R16 tires)
Low profile tires may cause gre ater damage than usual to the tire wheel
when sustaining impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay at tention
to the following:
●Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are und er-inflated,
they may be damaged more severely.
●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Fail-
ure to do so may l ead to severe tire and wheel damage.
■If tire inflation pressure of e ach tire becomes low while drivi ng
Do not continue driving, or your t ires and/or wheels may be ruined.
Page 442 of 596
4427-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
The recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure and tire size are dis-
played on the tire and loading
information label. (P. 541)
Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge
Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire press ure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust
the pressure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to defla te.
Tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure
Inspection and adjustment procedure
1
2
1
2
3
4
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4437-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and
adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation p ressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrec t tire inflation pressure may result in th e following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating , have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation p ressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire
inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based o nly on its appear-
ance.
●It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as
heat is generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pre ssure after
driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehi cle is
balanced.
5
6
Page 444 of 596
4447-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly in flated, the following conditions may occur
which could lead to an accident r esulting in death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resulting from overh eated tires
●Air leaking from between tire and wheel
●Wheel deformation and/or tire damage
●Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp ed ges in the road, etc.)
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusti ng tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed , dirt or moisture may get into the valve and
cause an air leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressu re.
Page 445 of 596
4457-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim wid th and
inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that hav e been straightened
● Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changi ng your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight afte r driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
● Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and use a
plastic or rubber hammer w hen balancing your wheels.
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warn ing
valves and transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning sy stem to
provide advance warning in the event of a loss in tire inflatio n pressure.
Whenever wheels are replaced, tir e pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters must be installed. ( P. 434)
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or
cause a loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel pre cautions (if equipped)
Page 465 of 596
465
8When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 466
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency ................. 467
8-2. S teps to take in
a n emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 469
If you think something is wrong .......................... 476
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 477
If a warning message is displayed ..................... 485
If you have a flat tire.......... 502
If the hybrid system will not start ..................... 515
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........ 517
If the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged ....... 519
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 526
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................ 530
