2004 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 246

Dinghy towing Check the condition of the auxiliary battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any auxiliary battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Section 8−3 tells you how to visually inspect the auxiliary battery. Your Toyota dealer will be pleased to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. See page 283 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. Use a washer fluid containing an anti− freeze solution. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water. NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute as washer fluid because it may damage your vehicle's paint. Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, push the "P" position switch and block the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, for snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During extreme winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emergency equipment. Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc. 40p050b Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome. NOTICE Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground. This may cause serious damage to your vehicle. 234