Page 221 of 596
2214-4. Refueling
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
Pull up the opener to open the
fuel filler door.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly to
remove it and hang it on the
back of the fuel filler door.
After refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap until you hear a click. Once
the cap is released, it will turn
slightly in the opposite direction.
Opening the fuel tank cap
1
2
Closing the fuel tank cap
Page 222 of 596
2224-4. Refueling
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in
death or serious injury.
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269
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
4-7. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/coo ling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 201)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of H ybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 108)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effe ct on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but e lectricity cannot be generated. A lso,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerat ion and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) witho ut
having to use gaso line engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (tracti on battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological dri ving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
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2704-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic re ports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When drivi ng
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the v ehicle to
move forward slightly while avoid ing overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before st op-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to releas e the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of el ec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tempe rature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasolin e engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will cons ume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of t he
heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Impr oper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are app ro-
priate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
Page 271 of 596
2714-7. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeat edly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
Page 379 of 596

3796-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cool-
ing capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning perf ormance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperatur e setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
Page 380 of 596

3806-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interi or. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch dependin g on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
power switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing .
■ When the outside tempera ture falls to nearly 32F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pre ssed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the out side air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle m ay enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then ca use odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to o utside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short peri od of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in aut omatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 447
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 559)
Page 398 of 596

398
PRIUS c_U
7-1. Maintenance and care
●Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicl e
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any di rt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughl y
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the v ehicle
body is cool.
■ Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of
the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle su rface and
harm your vehicle's paint.
● In certain automatic car washes, the rear spoiler may interfere with machine
operation. This may prevent t he vehicle from being cleaned prop erly or
result in damage to the rear spoiler.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close p roximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on y our vehicle is
closed properly.
■ When using a car wash (vehicles with a smart key system)
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, f ollow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
● Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. (2 m) or more away from the vehi-
cle. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the sm art key sys-
tem. ( P. 140)
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition: