towing TOYOTA PRIUS 2023 User Guide

2384-1. Before driving
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■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. (P. 665)
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
■Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted
on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (P. 234)
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

2394-1. Before driving
4
Driving
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Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
● Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
● When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
NOTICE
■ When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.
Guidance

2404-1. Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.

2414-1. Before driving
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D. Shift the shift position to B.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 645)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift position to
P.

2424-1. Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this section.
Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
( P. 2 3 4 )
■ To avoid accident or injury
● Vehicles with a compact spare tire:
Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.
● Vehicles with the emergency tire puncture repair kit:
Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency
tire puncture repair kit.
● Do not use cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range when trailer towing. (if equipped)
■ Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■ Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
■ Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
NOTICE
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

243
4
4-1. Before driving
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
Trailer towing (AWD models)
Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle. Toyota also does not rec-
ommend the installation of a
tow hitch or the use of a tow
hitch carrier for a wheelchair,
scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for
trailer towing or for the use of
tow hitch mounted carriers.

2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■When to disable the pre-collision system
In the following situations, disable the system, as it may not operate prop-
erly, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
● When the vehicle is being towed
● When your vehicle is towing another vehicle
● When transporting the vehicle via truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
● When the vehicle is raised on a lift with the hybrid system on and the tires
are allowed to rotate freely
● When inspecting the vehicle using a drum tester such as a chassis
dynamometer or speedometer tester , or when using an on vehicle wheel
balancer
● When a strong impact is applied to the front bumper or front grille, due to
an accident or other reasons
● If the vehicle cannot be driven in a stable manner, such as when the vehi-
cle has been in an accident or is malfunctioning
● When the vehicle is driven in a sporty manner or off-road
● When the tires are not properly inflated
● When the tires are very worn
● When tires of a size other than specified are installed
● When tire chains are installed
● When a compact spare tire or an emergency tire puncture repair kit is used
● If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may obstruct the radar sensor or front
camera is temporarily installed to the vehicle

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■Before using LTA system
● Do not rely solely upon the LTA system. The LTA system does not auto-
matically drive the vehicle or reduce the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by paying careful attention to the surround-
ing conditions and operating the steering wheel to correct the path of the
vehicle. Also, the driver must take adequate breaks when fatigued, such
as from driving for a long period of time.
● Failure to perform appropriate driving operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
● When not using the LTA system, use the LTA switch to turn the system off.
■ Situations unsuitable for LTA system
In the following situations, use the LTA switch to turn the system off. Failure
to do so may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
● Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather,
fallen snow, freezing, etc.
● Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road.
● White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
● Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction
work.
● Vehicle is driven in a construction zone.
● A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are equipped.
● When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pres-
sure is low.
● During emergency towing.
■ Preventing LTA system malfunctions and operations performed by
mistake
● Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc. on the surface of the
lights.
● Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be
replaced, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
● If your windshield needs repairs, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

3324-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range in any of the
following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
● Roads where there are pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● At entrances to freeways and highways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from detecting correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
● When there is rain, snow, etc. on the front surface of the radar or front
camera
● In traffic conditions that require frequent repeated acceleration and decel-
eration
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer* or during emergency towing
*: Vehicles that can tow a trailer: P. 233
● When an approach warning buzzer is heard often

3504-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
● Roads where there are pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep downhills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer* or during emergency towing
*: Vehicles that can tow a trailer: P. 233