TOYOTA PRIUS V 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

271
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
If luggage is loaded on the roof (vehicles with a panoramic roof)
Observe the following precautions. Failure to observe them could lead to the
roof rack being damaged or deformed, or the roof rack falling off.
● Do not install a roof rack which inter-
feres with the panoramic roof.
● Do not load luggage directly onto the
panoramic roof.

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2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 398)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 915 lb. (415 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

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2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
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 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.
■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.

274 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Selecting tire chainsUse 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)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of ti re chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k local regulations before installing
chains.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to the road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
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.
If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or
creeping.

275
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
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 tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
CAUTION
■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 size specified.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

276 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■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 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 or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate 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.

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2-5. Driving information
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2
When driving
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 vehicle is not designed for trai ler towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.

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PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

Interior features3
279
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ........................... 280
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ......................... 293
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger
switch ............................. 295
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types .......... 296 3-3. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ............... 301
• Interior lights .................. 302
• Personal lights ............... 303
3-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features .... 305
• Glove boxes ................... 307
• Console box ................... 308
• Cup holders ................... 309
• Bottle holders ................. 311
• Auxiliary boxes ............... 312
• Door pockets .................. 313
• Card holder .................... 313
3-5. Other interior features Sun visors ........................ 314
Vanity mirrors ................... 315
Clock ................................ 316
Power outlets ................... 317
Seat heaters..................... 319
Armrest ............................ 321
Panoramic roof shades .... 322
Floor mats ........................ 326
Luggage compartment features .......................... 328
Garage door opener......... 332
Safety Connect ................ 340

280
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according to the
temperature setting.
“OFF” button
Fan speed display
Micro dust and
pollen filter button
Cooling and
dehumidification
function on/off
button
Outside/recirculated
air mode button
Outside
temperature
display
Windshield
defogger
button
Air outlet display
Temperature setting display
Automatic mode Function select Adjust/select