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5-5. 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
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.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5-5. Using the driving support systems
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC 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 Tu rned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: Pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision braking will also be disabled.
The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be show n on the
multi-information display. ( P. 6 7 2 )
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disab led even if has not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact
your Toyota dealer.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assi st control will
operate:
● The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when sta rting 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
● No more than 2 seconds have elapsed after the brake pedal is re leased.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC 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 mal function has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above system s are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occur red.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a s top.
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
4995-5. Using the driving support systems
5
Driving
■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 brak e pedal
is operated.
● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of th e vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or t wo min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring so und) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
● When the power switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on wh en vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-e nabling
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the s ystem from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an exten ded period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should thi s 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 wa rning light (warning buzzer)
P. 672
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5-5. Using the driving support systems
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 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, 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
■ 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 be lost.
■ 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.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5-6. 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 PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5035-6. Driving tips
5
Driving
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to roa d con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block th e wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parkin g brake
may freeze up, preventing it fro m being released. If the vehicle is
parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block th e
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi cle
to move unexpectedly, possi bly 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
0.12 in. (3.0 mm)
1.18 in. (30.0 mm)
0.39 in. (10.0 mm)
Cross chain 0.16 in. (4.0 mm)
0.98 in. (25.0 mm)
0.55 in. (14.0 mm)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k 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
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5-6. Driving tips
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tir e chains on the rear
tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
■ Consumption of fuel and electricity
In cold temperatures, resistance of the parts of a vehicle (transmission, tires,
etc.) generally increases, resulting in increase of energy consumption. As a
result, fuel economy is likely to decrease.
Consumption of fuel and electricity of this vehicle is also likely to become
worse in cold temperatures.
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 ca use death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
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 d riven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tir e chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), 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 LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, ma ke sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle m ay move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
5757-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
■Note for 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 key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from t he vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that th e key is not
stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the sm art key sys-
tem. ( P. 292)
■ Wheels and wheel ornaments
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent.
● Wash detergent off with water immediately after use.
● To protect the paint from damage, make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driv-
ing or parking in hot weather
■ Brake pads and calipers
Rust may form if the vehicle is parked with wet brake pads or d isc rotors,
causing them to stick. Before parking the vehicle after it is w ashed, drive
slowly and apply the brakes several times to dry the parts.
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■ Front side windows water-repellent coating
The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent
coating.
●Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.
● Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
● Do not use wax or glass cleaners that contain abrasives when cleaning the
windows.
● Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
■ Plated portions
If dirt cannot be removed, clean the parts as follows:
●Use a soft cloth dampened with an approximately 5% solution of neutral
detergent and water to clean the dirt off.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
● To remove oily deposits, use alcohol wet wipes or a similar pro duct.