Page 216 of 568

2164-1. Before driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47D30E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.  
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. 
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces 
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and 
reduce your ability to control the vehicle. 
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine 
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident. 
● After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that 
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the 
brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet 
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected. 
■ When shifting the shift position 
● Do not let the vehicle roll backward while a forward driving position is 
selected, or roll forward while the shift position is in R.  
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle. 
● Do not shift the shift position to P while the vehicle is moving.  
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle 
control. 
● Do not shift the shift position to R while the vehicle is moving forward.  
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle 
control. 
● Do not shift the shift position to a driving position while the vehicle is mov- 
ing backward. 
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle 
control. 
● Moving the shift position to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage 
the hybrid system. Engine braking is not available with the hybrid system 
disengaged. 
● Be careful not to change the shift position with the accelerator pedal 
depressed.  
Changing the shift position to any position other than P or N may lead to 
unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident
and result in death or serious injury. 
After changing the shift position, make sure to confirm the current shift 
position displayed on the shift position indicator inside the meter. 
     
        
        Page 217 of 568

2174-1. Before driving
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47D30E_(EE)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.  
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. 
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators) 
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota 
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as
possible.  
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed. 
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle w hen the wear limits of the brake pads 
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded. 
■ When the vehicle is stopped 
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.  
If the shift position is in any position other than P or N, the vehicle may 
accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident. 
● In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep 
depressing the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is 
illuminated, and apply the parking brake as necessary. 
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused 
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal 
and securely apply the parking brake as needed. 
● Avoid revving or racing the engine. 
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause 
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby. 
     
        
        Page 374 of 568

3746-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47D30E_(EE)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may 
move suddenly, become hot, or become el ectrically energized. To avoid death 
or serious injury, observe the following precautions. 
■ When working on the engine compartment 
● Make sure that the “POWER ON” on the multi-information display or the 
smart entry & start system indicator, and the “READY” indicator are both 
off. 
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan. 
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust 
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids 
may also be hot. 
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the 
engine compartment. 
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes 
are flammable. 
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage 
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom- 
fort, consult a doctor. 
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille 
Be sure the power switch is off. 
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 386) 
■ Safety glasses 
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. 
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■ If you remove the air cleaner filter 
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear 
due to dirt in the air. 
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high 
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads 
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling,  it may indicate a serious problem.