
376
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
When  the  Parking  Support  Brake  f unction  detects  an  obstacle  with  a
probability of collision, hybrid  system output is restricted to restrain an
increase in vehicle speed. (Hybri d system output restriction control: A)
Furthermore,  when  the  accelerator  pedal  continues  to  be  depress ed,
the brakes are applied to reduce  the vehicle speed. (Brake control: B)
Operation
DOWN
DOWN
UP
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF 

386
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
S-APGS (Simple Adva nced Parking Guidance 
System)
■Function summary
The  Simple  Advanced  Parking  Guidance  System  automatically
operates  the  steering  wheel  to  provide  support  when  backing  int o
an area near a target parking spot, and when departing from a p ar-
allel  parking  spot.  (Changing  the  shift  position  and  speed  adju st-
ment  when  moving  forward  or  backing  up  are  not  performed
automatically.)
● The  Simple Advanced  Parking  Guidance  System  does  not  park
the  vehicle  automatically.  It  is  a  system  that  provides  support
when pulling out of a perpendicular or parallel parking spot.
● The Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System provides steer-
ing  wheel  operation  assistance  to  guide  the  vehicle  toward  the
selected  intended  parking  spot.  The  selected  intended  parking
spot may not always be reach able, depending on road and vehi-
cle  conditions  at  the  time  of  parking,  and  the  distance  to  the
intended parking spot.
■Linking with the Parking Support Brake function
While the Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System is operating,
if the system detects an obstacl e that could result in a collision, the
emergency brakes operate, regardl ess of whether the Parking Sup-
port Brake function is on or off. ( P. 388)
: If equipped
Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System
WARNING
●When  backing  up  or  proceeding  forward,  be  sure  to  directly  conf irm  the
safety of the area to the front or rear, and the area around the vehicle, and
slowly  back  up  or  proceed  forward  while  adjusting  the  vehicle  s peed  by
depressing the brake pedal.
● If it seems the vehicle may make contact with a pedestrian, ano ther vehi-
cle or any other obstacles, stop the vehicle by depressing the  brake pedal,
and then press the S-APGS switch ( P. 389) to turn the system off. 

420
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force co rre-
sponding to the brake operation 
◆ABS (Anti-lock  Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenl y,
or if the brakes are applied while  driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake p edal
is depressed when the system de tects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps  the  driver  to  control  skidding  when  swerving  suddenly  or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control  of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps  to  maintain  directional  stability  when  swerving  on  slippe ry
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control) 
Helps  to  maintain  drive  power  and  prevent  the  drive  wheels  from
spinning when starting the vehicl e or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Active Cornering Assist (ACA)
Helps  to  prevent  the  vehicle  from  drifting  to  the  outer  side  by  per-
forming  inner  wheel  brake  control  when  attempting  to  accelerate
while turning
To  keep  driving  safety  and  perf ormance,  the  following  systems
operate  automatically  in  respon se  to  various  driving  situations.
Be  aware,  however,  that  these  systems  are  supplementary  and
should  not  be  relied  upon  too  heav ily  when  operating  the  vehi-
cle.  

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The  limits  of  tire  gripping  performance  have  been  exceeded  (suc h  as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or s lick roads.
■ Stopping  distance when  the ABS   is  operating  may  exceed  that  of  nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain  a  safe  distance  from  the  vehicle  in  front  of  you,  espe cially  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
■ TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional  control  and  power  may  not  be  achievable  while  driving  on  slip-
pery  road  surfaces,  even  if  the  TRAC/VSC  system  is  operating.  D rive  the
vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may b e lost.
■ Active Cornering Assist does  not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on Active Cornering Assist. Active Cornering  Assist may
not  operate  effectively  when  accelerating  down  slopes  or  driving  on  slip-
pery road surfaces.
● When  Active  Cornering  Assist  frequently  operates,  Active  Corner ing
Assist  may  temporarily  stop  operating  to  ensure  proper  operatio n  of  the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do  not  overly  rely  on  hill-start  assist  control.  Hill-start  ass ist  control  may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered wit h ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not inte nded 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 TRAC/ABS/VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator  light flashes. 

428
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
◆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.
◆Delays
Repeated  acceleration  and  deceleration,  as  well  as  long  waits  a t
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  avoiding  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. 

430
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use  fluids  that  are  appropriate  t o  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  cha ins  match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following accordi ng to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fr ozen.
Pour  warm  water  over  the  frozen  area  to  melt  the  ice.  Wipe  away
the water immediately to p revent 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 ic e 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  ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle 

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
5096-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The  accelerator  pedal  should  move  smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid  transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift positionis in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor?  ( P. 671)
• Does  the  brake  pedal  have  the  correct amount of free play?  ( P. 671)
Brakes
• The  vehicle  should  not  pull  to  one  side  when
the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The  brake  pedal  should  not  get  too  close  to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do  the  head  restraints  move  smoothly  andlock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do  the  indicators  and  buzzers  function  prop-erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does  the  parking  brake  pedal  movesmoothly?
• When  parked  on  a  slope  and  the  parking brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does  the  steering  wheel  have  the  correctamount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com- ing from the steering wheel. 

5867-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
When using a flatbed truck to transport the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts.  Refer  to  the  owner’s  manual  of  the  flatbed  truck  for  the tire
strapping method.
In  order  to  suppress  vehicle  movement  during  transportation,  se t  the
parking brake and turn  the power switch off.
If  a  tow  truck  is  not  available  in  an  emergency,  your  vehicle  m ay  be
temporarily  towed  using  cables  or  chains  secured  to  the  emergen cy
towing eyelets. This should only  be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at  under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A  driver  must  be  in  the  vehicle  to  steer  and  operate  the  brakes .  The
vehicle’s  wheels,  drive  train,  a xles,  steering  and  brakes  must  be  in
good condition.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing