2004 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 245

Winter driving tips CAUTION D Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high−speed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high−speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. Make sure you have a proper freeze protection for engine coolant. Only use "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite, and non−borate coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic acids.) See "Checking the coolant level" on page 284 for details of coolant type selection. For the U.S.A.-"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides protection down to about −35_C (−31_F). For Canada-"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides protection down to about −42_C (−44_F). D Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off. D Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the "READY" light on. D Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy. D To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly. D Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle securely. D Be careful when accelerating or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden acceleration or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to skid or spin. NOTICE Do not use plain water alone. 233