Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english

499

6-1. Maintenance and care

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NOTICE

■

To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)

●

Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the

paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,

iron powder or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

●

If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

●

To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.

■

To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms

When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield pull the driver side
wiper arm upward first, and repeat for the passenger’s side. When returning
the wipers to their original position, do so from the passenger’s side first.

■

Cleaning the exterior lights

●

Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

●

Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

500

6-1. Maintenance and care

NOTICE

■

Handling the decorative resin parts (for vehicles equipped with 17-inch
wheels)

●

Make sure to observe the following when handling wheels equipped with
decorative resin parts. Failure to observe these precautions may result in
damage to the decorative resin parts or wheels.
• Do not remove the decorative resin parts

When decorative resin parts removal is necessary, contact any autho-
rized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

●

If there is rattling in the decorative resin parts, or strange sounds from the
wheel area when driving, have your wheels inspected by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

When using an automatic car wash (vehicles with rain-sensing wind-
shield wipers)

Set the wiper switch to the off position.

If the wiper switch is in the

position, the wipers may operate and the

wiper blades may be damaged.

• Do not hold the tire by the decorative

resin parts to lift up or carry the tire.

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6-1. Maintenance and care

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NOTICE

■

When using a high pressure car wash

●

When washing the vehicle, do not spray the camera or its surrounding
area directly with a high pressure washer. Shock applied from high pres-
sure water may cause the device to not operate normally.

●

Do not spray water directly on the radar which is equipped behind the
emblem. Otherwise it may cause the device to be damaged.

●

Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

●

Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 30 cm (11.9 in.) away from the vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, may be
deformed and damaged. Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the
same place.

●

Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously.
If water enters the air conditioning system intake located near the lower
part of the windshield, the air conditioning system may not operate cor-
rectly.

●

Do not wash the underside of the vehicle using a high pressure car
washer.

■

When raising the windshield wiper arms

Make sure to hold the hook parts of the
wiper arms to raise them.
Do not hold only the wiper blades when
raising them, or it may cause deformation
of the wiper blades.

Hook parts

502

6-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

●

If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with
neutral detergent diluted to approximately 1%.
Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with
diluted detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
all remaining traces of detergent.

●

Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining
moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted
to approximately 1%.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior
and keep it in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior

Cleaning the leather areas

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

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6-1. Maintenance and care

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■

Caring for leather areas

Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

■

Shampooing the carpets

There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.

■

Seat belts

Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

WARNING

■

Water in the vehicle

●

Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent, and in the luggage com-
partment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery), electrical compo-
nents, etc. to malfunction or catch fire.

●

Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(



P. 40)

An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.

●

Vehicles with wireless charger:
Do not let the wireless charger (



P. 487) get wet. Failure to do so may

cause the charger to become hot and cause burns or could cause electric
shock resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.

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6-1. Maintenance and care

NOTICE

■

Cleaning detergents

●

Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,

alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-

hol

●

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.

■

Preventing damage to leather surfaces

Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:

●

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

●

Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

●

Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.

■

Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

■

When cleaning the inside of the windshield (vehicles with Toyota
Safety Sense)

Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens.
(



P. 283)

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear window

●

Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened
with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in
strokes running parallel to the heater wires.

●

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

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6-2. Maintenance

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Maintenance requirements

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.

For full details of your maintenance schedule, refer to the “Toyota Service
Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.

What about do-it-yourself maintenance?

Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and
skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an
experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend that repairs and
maintenance be conducted by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Any authorized Toyota retailer
or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could be useful should
you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a qualified
and equipped professional other than an authorized Toyota repairer to ser-
vice or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. Toyota recommends the follow-
ing maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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6-2. Maintenance

■

Where to go for maintenance service?

In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota recom-
mends that maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and
repairs be carried out by authorized Toyota retailers or Toyota authorized
repairers, or any reliable repairers. For repairs and services covered by your
warranty, please visit an authorized Toyota retailer or repairer, who will use
genuine Toyota parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There
can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota retailers or repairers for
non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network will be
able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and eco-
nomically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.

■

Does your vehicle need repairs?

Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:

●

Engine missing, stumbling or pinging

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Strange engine noises

●

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)

●

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

●

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear

●

Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road

●

Strange noises related to suspension movement

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking

●

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (



P. 583, 645)

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as pos-
sible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.

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6-2. Maintenance

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WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.

■

Handling of the 12-volt battery

12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. (



P. 521)

508

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

12-volt battery
condition
(



P. 521)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water

Engine/power
control unit
coolant level
(



P. 518)

• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high

quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level
(



P. 515)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (



P. 557)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Hybrid battery
(traction battery)
air intake vent
(



P. 545)

• Vacuum cleaner, etc.

• Phillips screwdriver

Light bulbs
(



P. 561)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-

nal

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench

Radiator and
condenser
(



P. 520)



Tire inflation
pressure
(



P. 537)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid
(



P. 526)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-

ter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

509

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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WARNING

The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.

■

When working on the engine compartment

●

Make sure that the “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (



P. 118,

120) on the main display and the “READY” indicator are both off.

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

●

Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom-
fort, consult a doctor.

■

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. (



P. 520)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.

510

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

■

If the brake fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

511

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Hood

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift the hood.

Hold the hood open by inserting
the supporting rod into the slot.

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

512

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

■

After installing the support rod into the slot

Make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your
head or body.

■

When closing the hood

NOTICE

■

When closing the hood

Be sure to return the supporting rod to its clip before closing the hood. Clos-
ing the hood without returning the support rod properly could cause the
hood to bend.

When closing the hood, take extra care
to prevent your fingers etc. from being
caught.

513

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Positioning a floor jack

◆

Front

◆

Rear

2WD models
AWD models

When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual
provided with the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause
injury.

1
2

514

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Engine compartment

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 518)

Fuse boxes

(



P. 557)

Engine oil level dipstick

(



P. 515)

Engine oil filler cap (



P. 516)

12-volt battery

(



P. 521)

Power control unit coolant
reservoir

(



P. 518)

Radiator (



P. 520)

Condenser

(



P. 520)

Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank

(



P. 526)

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Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english - page 30