flat tire TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2015 User Guide

3346-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose
the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage.
● A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not regis-
tered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for
about 10 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays
on to indicate a system malfunction.
■ Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it
has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■ Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pres-
sure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine
of daily vehicle checks.
■ If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

3356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
■Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate
properly
●In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate
properly.
• If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used.
• When a replacement tire is used, the system may not operate correctly
due to the structure of the replacement tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the
wheels or wheel housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
● Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless communication device
● When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off
could be extended.
● When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has
burst, the warning may not function.

3366-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)■
The initialization operation
●Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire
inflation pressure adjustment.
● If you have accidentally turned the power switch off during initialization, it is
not necessary to press the reset switch again as initialization will restart
automatically when the power switch has been turned to ON mode for the
next time.
● If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not necessary,
adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the tires are
cold, and conduct initialization again.
■ Warning performance of the tire pressure warning system
The warning of the tire pressure warning system will change in accordance
with the conditions under which it was initialized. For this reason, the system
may give a warning even if the tire pressure does not reach a low enough
level, or if the pressure is higher than the pressure that was adjusted to when
the system was initialized.
■ When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following
cases, the settings have not been recorded and the system will not operate
properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are
unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
● When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure
warning light does not blink 3 times.
● After carrying out the initialization procedure, the tire pressure warning light
blinks for 1 minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.
■ Registering ID codes
The ID codes of the tire pressure wa rning valve and transmitters for two sets
of wheels can be registered.
It is not necessary to register the ID codes when replacing normal tires with
snow tires, if the ID codes for the wheels of both normal tires and snow tires
are registered beforehand.
For information about changing ID codes, ask any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

3416-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■ When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
● Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
● Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
● Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
● Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
● Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do not tow if your vehicle has a com-
pact spare tire installed.
● Vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit: Do not tow anything if
a tire that has been repaired using the emergency tire puncture repair kit is
installed. The load on the tire may cause unexpected damage to the tire.
■ When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting
the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure
warning light may not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it
may come on when the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.

3426-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)NOTICE
■
Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, ti res or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional as the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
● Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not
installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire
pressure warning valves could be bound.
● When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those
specified.
The cap may become stuck.
■ To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional or other qualified service shop as soon as possible.
Make sure to replace the tire pres sure warning valve and transmitter when
replacing the tire. ( →P. 332)
■ Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the
cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause
damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
■ If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

3436-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Tire inflation pressure
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel economy
● Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
● Reduced tire life due to wear
● Reduced safety
● Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
● Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven
for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation
pressure reading.
● Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appear-
ance.
● It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is
generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.
● Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is bal-
anced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire infla-
tion pressure should be checked at least once per month. How-
ever, Toyota recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked
once every two weeks. ( →P. 461)

3446-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur
which could lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
● Uneven wear
● Poor handling
● Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
● Air leaking from between tire and wheel
● Wheel deformation and/or tire damage
● Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)
NOTICE
■ When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and
cause an air leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.

3456-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Wheels
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width and
inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that have been straightened
● Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
● Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plas-
tic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide
advance warning in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever
wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be
installed. ( →P. 332)
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or
cause a loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel precautions

367
7When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B16E_(EE)7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 368
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ....................... 369
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ...................... 370
If you think something is wrong ............................... 375
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................. 376
If a warning message is displayed ......................... 388
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with a
spare tire) ........................ 404
If you have a flat tire (vehicles without a
spare tire) ........................ 418
If the hybrid system will not start............................ 435
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........ 437
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ....................... 439
If your vehicle overheats ......................... 444
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................ 449

3757-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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7
When trouble arises
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● High coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms