tires TOYOTA PRIUS 2009 2.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Optimal use of the audio system (Vehicle without
AUX adapter) ................... 263
Using the AUX adapter ...... 265
Using the steering switches ........................... 266
3-4. Using the hands-free system (for cellular phone)
Hands-free system (for cellular phone) ........... 269
Using the Bluetooth
®
phone ............................... 274
Setting the hands-free system (for cellular
phone) .............................. 288
3-5. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 315
3-6. Using the storage features List of storage features....... 319
3-7. Other interior features Sun visors .......................... 326
Vanity mirror ....................... 327
Clock .................................. 328
Power outlet ....................... 329
Armrest............................... 331
Floor mats .......................... 332
Luggage compartment features ............................ 333
Garage door opener ........... 336 4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle’s exterior ............... 342
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle’s interior ................ 344
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................... 347
General maintenance ......... 349
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .......................... 352
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 353
Hood ................................... 357
Positioning a floor jack........ 358
Engine compartment .......... 360
Tires.................................... 375
Tire inflation pressure ......... 384
Wheels................................ 388
Air conditioning filter ........... 390
Electronic key battery ......... 392
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 394
Light bulbs .......................... 403
4Maintenance and care

123
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■
Driving in the rain
● Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
● Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■ Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended
to observe:
● For the first 180 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■ Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 462)
■ For efficient use
● Put the shift lever into “D” when driving
In the “N” position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) will be discharged requiring unnec-
essary engine power to recharge.
● Drive your vehicle smoothly
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effective use of the traction motor without
having to use gasoline engine power.

126 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
● Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to “R”, “N” or push the
“P” position switch while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result
in a loss of vehicle control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake not to operate properly and lead to
an accident.
● Do not turn the hybrid system off while driving.
The power steering and brake actuator will not operate properly if the
hybrid system is not operating.
● Use engine braking (“B”) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 138)
● When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
● Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

168 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you 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 roads with uneven pavement
■ When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of 12 volt battery electrolyte.
● 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.

175
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of
radial cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the front tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for
installation instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■Snow 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.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
● Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.

176 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing 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 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers.
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
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

Maintenance and care4
341
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle’s exterior ............ 342
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle’s interior ............. 344
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 347
General maintenance....... 349
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ........................ 352
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 353
Hood ................................ 357
Positioning a floor jack ..... 358
Engine compartment ........ 360
Tires ................................. 375
Tire inflation pressure ...... 384
Wheels ............................. 388
Air conditioning filter......... 390
Electronic key battery....... 392
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 394
Light bulbs........................ 403

351
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after parking?
Tire• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?
• Tires rotated according to the mainte-
nance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the hybrid system is operating
Turn off the hybrid system and ensure that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance checks.

375
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and inflation pressure if not
rotated.
■ Tire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system
after tire rotation.
■The tire pressure warning system
Your Toyota is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise. (P. 426)
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter.
Front