TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2015 Owners Manual
Page 261 of 496
2614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is
intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of
LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system
can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
● Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in
front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism
that allows careless or inattentive driv ing, and it is not a system that can
assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver
to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver in making correct judgement
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has
detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the driver to remain vigila nt and to determine whether or not there
is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
● Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself, without the
proper operations of the driver, is not capable of automatically avoiding a
collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely. For this reason, when
encountering a dangerous situation the driver must take direct and imme-
diate action in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
Page 262 of 496
2624-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(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. 247)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 116)
◆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:
Page 263 of 496
2634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(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.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
Page 264 of 496
2644-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(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.
Page 265 of 496
265
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(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
Page 266 of 496
2664-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
XSide chain
3.0 mm (0.12 in.)
30.0 mm (1.18 in.)
10.0 mm (0.39 in.)
XCross chain
4.0 mm (0.16 in.)
25.0 mm (0.98 in.)
14.0 mm (0.55 in.)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
■ 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 tight ly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
● Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire 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
Page 267 of 496
2674-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
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.
■ 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.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional 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
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
Page 268 of 496
2684-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
Page 269 of 496
269
5Interior features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)5-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ............................. 270
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 278
Seat heaters ......................279
5-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 280• Front interior light .......... 281
• Front personal lights ...... 281
• Rear interior light ........... 282
5-3. Using the storage features List of storage features ...... 283• Glove boxes .................. 284
• Console box .................. 284
• Cup holders/ bottle holders/
door pockets .................. 285
• Auxiliary boxes .............. 287
• Card holders .................. 288
Luggage compartment features............................ 289
5-4. Using the other interior features
Other interior features ........ 292 • Sun visors...................... 292
• Vanity mirrors ................ 292
• Clock ............................. 293
• Power outlet .................. 294
• Assist grips .................... 295
• Panoramic roof shades ........................... 296
• Rear sunshades ............ 298
Page 270 of 496
2705-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
Automatic air conditioning system
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according
to the temperature setting.
The illustrations below are for left-hand drive vehicles.
The button positions and shapes will differ for right-hand drive
vehicles.
Control panel