Driving tips -> Hybrid vehicle driving tips for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Fourth Generation (2016-2022)

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4-6. Driving tips  
Hybrid vehicle driving tips  
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-  
lowing points:  
Using Eco drive mode  
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-  
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly  
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air  
conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving  
the fuel economy. (P. 336)  
Use of Hybrid System Indicator  
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System  
Indicator within Eco area. (P. 127)  
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Shift position operation  
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving  
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When  
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the  
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-  
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid  
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.  
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation  
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and  
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make  
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without  
having to use gasoline engine power.  
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes  
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-  
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the  
accelerator pedal slightly released.  
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4-6. Driving tips  
When braking  
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A  
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-  
ing down.  
Delays  
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at  
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports  
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving  
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to  
move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator  
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.  
Highway driving  
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-  
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the  
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-  
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.  
Air conditioning  
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help  
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.  
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-  
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air  
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.  
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out  
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.  
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the  
heater.  
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4-6. Driving tips  
Checking tire inflation pressure  
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper  
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.  
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on  
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-  
priate for the season.  
Luggage  
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-  
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause  
poor fuel economy.  
Warming up before driving  
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically  
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-  
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly  
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.  
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