4044-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
NOTICE
■Preventing sensor malfunctions
● If the area around a sensor is subjected to an impact, equipment may not
operate properly due to a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected
at any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reli-
able repairer.
● When using a high-pressure washer to wash the vehicle, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. The sensors may not function properly if
subjected to an impact from strong water pressure.
● When using steam to wash the vehicle, do not direct steam too close to
the sensors. The sensors may not function properly if subjected to steam.
■ Preventing unnecessary operation
In the following situations, turn the Parking Support Brake function off. The
system may operate even though there is no possibility of a collision.
● A chassis roller, chassis dynamo, free roller or similar equipment is being
used for an inspection, etc.
● The vehicle is being loaded onto a ship, truck or other transport vessel
● The suspension has been lowered or tires that have a different size than
the genuine tires are equipped
● The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load
(the nose tilts up or down).
● A towing eyelet is installed
● When using an automatic car wash
■ Notes when washing the vehicle
P. 393
4384-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
●Do not use the system in the following situations, as the system may be
unable to correctly assist you in reaching the target parking spot and may
lead to an unexpected accident.
• In an area that is not a parking lot
• A parking lot that is not paved and has no parking space lines, such as
a sand or gravel parking lot
• A parking lot that has a slope or undulations in the road
• A frozen, snow-covered or slippery road
• The asphalt is melting due to hot weather
• There is an obstacle between the vehicle and the target parking spot
• Using tire chains or compact spare tire (if equipped)
● Do not use tire other than that provided by the manufacturer. The system
may not operate properly. When replacing tires, contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● The system may not be able position the vehicle in the set location in the
following situations.
• The tires are extremely worn or the tire pressure is low
• The vehicle is carrying very heavy load
• The vehicle is tilted due to having luggage, etc. located on one side of
the vehicle
• There are road heaters installed in the parking lot to prevent the road
surface from freezing.
In any other situations when the set position and vehicle position greatly
differ, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● Make sure to observe the following precautions regarding the exit parallel
parking assist mode.
Exit parallel parking assist mode is a function used when departing from a
parallel parking spot. However, this function may not be usable if obsta-
cles or people are detected in front of the vehicle. Only use this function
when departing from a parallel parking s pot. In the event that the steering
control operates, either turn the system off using the S-IPA switch or oper-
ate the steering wheel to stop the control.
● If exit parallel parking assist mode is mistakenly used in the following situ-
ations, the vehicle may make contact with an obstacle.
The departure function is operated in a direction where an obstacle is
present, but the obstacle is not detected by the side sensors (situations
such as when the vehicle is directly beside a pole).
4474-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
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 slick 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
■ TRC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC system is operating. Drive the
vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be 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 Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRC and VSC.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended 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 TRC/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.
4484-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
4514-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper
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 appro-
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.
◆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 repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
4524-6. Driving tips
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to 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 chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent 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 ice 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 man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
4544-6. Driving tips
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
■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 tire chains on the rear
tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
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 cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the 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 driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), 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) (if equipped).
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
4554-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicle with the tire pressure warn-
ing system)
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate
tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains (vehicle with the tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.