
4404-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
GPF (Gasoline Par ticulate Filter) system
■If “Exhaust Filter Full See Owner’s Manual” is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display
● The message may be displayed while high load driving with particulate mat-
ter accumulating.
● Hybrid system output (engine speed) is restricted when a certain amount of
particulate matter accumulates, however, it is possible to drive the vehicle
unless the malfunction indicator lamp comes on.
● Particulate matter can accumulate more quickly if the vehicle is frequently
driven short trips or at low speeds, or if the hybrid system is regularly started
in an extremely cold environment. Excessive accumulation of particulate
matter can be prevented by periodically driving long distances continuously
with intermittent releasing of the accelerator pedal, such as when driving on
highways and freeways.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on or “Exhaust Filter Full Visit
Your Dealer” is shown on the multi-information display
The amount of accumulated particulate matter has exceeded a certain level.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
: If equipped
The GPF system collects particulate matter in the exhaust gas
by using an exhaust gas filter.
The system will operate to regenerate the filter automatically,
depending on the vehicle conditions.
NOTICE
■ To prevent the GPF system from not operating properly
● Do not use fuel other than the specified type
● Do not modify the exhaust pipes

4444-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
●The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when starting 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 released.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC 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 malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■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 brake pedal
is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■Active Cornering Assist operation sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is operated, operation sounds and vibra-
tions may be generated from the brake system, but this is not a malfunction.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

449
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle 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/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (P. 351)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. (P. 132)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

4504-6. Driving tips
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
◆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 at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle 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 stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
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 temperature 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 gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.

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.

4665-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■Operation of the air conditioning system when the blower customization
is set to “ECO”
●In the “ECO” mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Set the blower customization to “FAST” or “NORMAL” mode.
●When the driving mode is set to Eco driving mode, the fan speed setting
mode will be changed to “ECO” mode automatically. Even in this case, the
fan speed control mode can be changed by pressing . (P. 351)
■When the outside temperature falls to nearly 0C (32F)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let the fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
●In order to suppress odors that occur when the air conditioning system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring, the start timing of the blower may
be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning
system is started in automatic mode.
■Air conditioning filter
P. 542
■Customization
Settings (e.g. outside/recirculated air mode) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 670)