DRIVING Just Drive It ! Startup Shutdown Hybrid Driving Stealth Driving Cruise-Control MPG Measurement Brakes Increasing MPG “B” Mode Radio NURTURING Filling the Gas Tank Tire Care Alternate Tires Multi-Display Care Washing Polishing Long-Term Storage Valet Use MAINTENANCE Dealer Service Oil Changes OTHER STUFF Keys After-Market Items Transmission Information Sources Informational Materials GLOSSARY Disclaimer: All the information stated in this document was provided by Prius owners. None were affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation, except as customers.
..
This document is not sanctioned by Toyota Motor Corporation or any of its affiliates. The ideas, suggestions, and opinions offered in this document have not been endorsed by the manufacturer of those specific components or Toyota Motor Corporation. Any harm or damage that may result from the application of or the following of any ideas, suggestions, or opinions contained in this document is the sole responsibility of the individual that applied or followed said ideas, suggestions or opinions. The authors of this document hereby declare that they cannot and will not be held liable, in any fashion, for the content or the use of this document. Prius User-Guide Last Updated: 6/01/2007 DRIVING Just Drive It ! Vital Info Ignore the advanced technology! It’s too easy to get preoccupied with everything Prius automatically does for you, especially with the Multi-Display providing constant performance information. The hybrid system was designed so you could to drive it like a traditional car. That way, you can enjoy the remarkably smooth & quiet ride.
Let the computer worry about how to save gas and reduce emissions. Startup Engine Warm-Up Reducing Emissions is the highest priority for Prius. It strives to remain a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) at all times, which means the catalytic-converter must be kept warm even if that requires consuming some gas to accomplish that. Fortunately, you still get better than average mileage, even if the engine doesn’t shut off right away. Creating heat for the emissions system and heat to keep you warm is fastest and most efficient if you simply drive gently immediately after starting the Prius in the winter. Allowing the engine to run while the Prius is parked takes longer and is less efficient. “Just Drive It!” The user-manual states to turn the key and hold it until you hear a beep. Realistically, you can actually let go of the key immediately. Once the computer accepts your request, the engine will startup after preparation is complete. Think of it as clicking a button on a computer-mouse. The catch is you must still wait for the “READY” prompt before shifting into Reverse or Drive. The blue light, which looks like a thermometer in liquid, is located to the right of the speedometer. It indicates the engine is still cool. This is normal during engine warm-up, it is not a warning. It will usually disappear about in 5 minutes, depending on the outside temperature and if the Prius was recently used. Driving slowly immediately after startup, rather than just waiting while parked, is the most efficiently method of reducing warm-up time. Idling until warm-up is complete before driving takes longer and wastes gas.
Download Toyota Prius Classic User Guide PDF
