2001 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 220

Checking tire pressure 4. Install the filter and filter case in the reverse order of removal. Set the filter in the filter case correctly. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire separation. High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards. Keep your tire pressures at the proper level. The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity weight are given on page 235 in Section 9. They are also on the tire pressure label as shown. You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a month. And do not forget the spare! Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive. If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it checked by your Toyota dealer. The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed: NOTICE Do not drive with the air conditioning filter removed, or the efficiency of the air conditioning may be lost. 82p003 D The pressure should be checked only when the tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading. D Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of a tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling. 213