TOYOTA PRIUS 2010 3.G Owners Manual

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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/power control unit 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.

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■Before driving the vehicle
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 th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and push the “P” position switch without setting
the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing
it from being released. If necessa ry block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.

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When driving
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Selecting tire chains
Vehicles with 17-inch tires
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)
Vehicles with 15-inch tires
Use the tire chains of correct size and type.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains except radial cable chains or V-
bar type chains.

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Regulations on the use of tire 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.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■Tire chains
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
manual.
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.

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When driving
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CAUTION
■
Driving with tire 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.

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Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Your Toyota is not designed for tr ailer towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.
ITO25P102

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Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.
ITO25P10P

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3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Air conditioning system .... 270
Using the steering wheel  climate remote control 
switches ......................... 280
Solar Ventilation 
System ........................... 282
Remote Air Conditioning  System ........................... 285
Rear window and outside rear  view mirror defoggers .... 289
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system type............ 291
Using the radio ................. 294
Using the CD player ......... 303
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs............................... 311
Optimal use of the audio 
system ........................... 319
Using the AUX adapter .... 322
Using the steering 
switches ......................... 323
Interior features3

Interior features3
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3-3. Using the hands-free system (for cellular phone)
Hands-free system 
(for cellular phone) ......... 326
Using the hands-free 
system ........................... 329
Making a phone call ......... 338
Setting a cellular phone ... 344
Security and system 
setup .............................. 350
Using the phone book ...... 354
3-4. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ............... 363
• Personal/interior light main 
switch ............................. 364
• Personal/interior lights ... 365
• Interior light .................... 365 3-5. Using the storage features
List of storage features .... 367
• Glove boxes ................... 368
• Console box ................... 369
• Overhead console .......... 370
• Card holder .................... 371
• Cup holders ................... 372
• Bottle holders ................. 374
• Auxiliary box .................. 375
3-6. Other interior features Sun visors ........................ 376
Vanity mirror..................... 377
Outside temperature 
display............................ 378
Power outlets ................... 379
Seat heaters..................... 381
Armrest ............................ 383
Floor mats ........................ 384
Luggage compartment 
features .......................... 385
Garage door opener......... 389
Safety Connect ................ 395

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3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Air conditioning system
Airflow and outlets are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
ITO31P101
Temperature 
control
Temperature 
setting display Air outlet

display
Fan speed 
display Windshield

defogger
Off Automatic 
mode Outside air or

recirculated 
air mode Changes the 
air outlets used Micro dust and

pollen filter Air conditioning

ON/OFF switch
Fan speed
control