2001 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 173

D Do not rest your foot on brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy. CAUTION Never turn off the hybrid system to coast down hills. Your power steering and brake booster will not function without the hybrid system running. Also, the emission control system operates properly only when the hybrid system is running. D Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption. D Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel. D Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion. D Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more frequent maintenance. 166