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The PriusChat Show - Episode 2 "PC Saves You Money"

Submitted by Danny on April 28, 2011 - 10:47am.

We're back with Episode 2, and this time we're discussing how PriusChat can help save you money when you have troubles with your car. In case you missed last week, with the PriusChat Show each week we’ll look at the discussions on PriusChat that were the hottest, the most interesting, and the most controversial. The show will also bring exclusive interviews with the movers and shakers in the Prius community.

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Consumer Reports Makes A Convincing Argument For Brake Override Systems in All Cars

Submitted by Danny on March 25, 2010 - 3:43pm.

Consumer Reports posted a 6 minute video making the case on why electronic brake override systems should be installed in all cars. In the below video they test a pre-recall Toyota Avalon and a post-recall Toyota Camry to compare braking distances while applying both the brakes and the accelerator. Needless to say, the pre-recall Avalon took over triple the amount of distance to brake as it normally does without the accelerator depressed.

Very good presentation of the facts on why this safety feature is a must-have in all future cars.

Video: Toyota Shares 5 Videos of Preliminary Findings in Sikes Case

Submitted by Danny on March 16, 2010 - 11:26am.

Toyota has posted 5 videos to share their preliminary findings in the James Sikes case of alleged sudden acceleration. All 5 are embedded below, but the first one is probably the most interesting. It shows many different camera angles of Sikes' 2008 Prius being tested going to high speeds and then using the brake override system to stop the car.

Toyota: Sikes "intentionally misused" brakes to overheat them

Submitted by Danny on March 15, 2010 - 3:45pm.

Toyota just held a press conference to release their preliminary findings in the James Sikes "runaway prius" case. CNN aired it live and one quote they pulled out was that Mr. Sikes "intentionally misused" the brake system in order to overheat it. Here is the full press release from Toyota:

Toyota Plans Press Conference For Today To Release Findings

Submitted by Danny on March 15, 2010 - 10:54am.

The AP is reporting that Toyota plans to hold a press conference today to release their findings on the alleged sudden acceleration incident of a Prius in San Diego. As you probably already know, an early Congressional memo has shown that NHTSA and Toyota have not been able to replicate the issue.

We'll keep you updated on when the press conference is going to happen and the information released.

This Week in PriusChat - March 15th

Submitted by Danny on March 15, 2010 - 10:09am.

You'll never guess what discussion topic dominated the PriusChat forums this past week. What? You were under a rock last week? Well, let us show you what you missed!

Oops! The 2010 Prius Manual Contradicts Toyota's Emergency Instructions

Submitted by Danny on March 12, 2010 - 4:11pm.

By now you've probably seen or heard from Toyota what you should do in the case of an emergency in your Prius. Shift the car into Neutral, apply brakes, pull over. If that doesn't work, hold the Power button for 3 seconds to shut the car down. There's only one problem with these instructions - they are exactly the opposite of what Toyota has written in the 2010 Prius manual.

As you can see in the image above from the 2010 Prius owners manual, the manual says on Page 155 under Chapter 2-1 Driving Procedures:

Video: Toyota demonstrates "Safely Stopping Your Toyota Hybrid Vehicle"

Submitted by Danny on March 12, 2010 - 10:36am.

If you just finished watching the hilarious version of "How to Stop a Prius" and are looking for something a little more bland and, um, corporate, here's a video for you. Toyota has put together an official demonstration video of what to do to safely stop your hybrid vehicle in the case of an emergency.

Video: Hilarious "How To Stop a Prius" documentary - NSFW

Submitted by Danny on March 12, 2010 - 1:16am.

Leave it to a PriusChatter to figure out the best way to explain the easy fix if you ever find yourself with brake problems in your Prius. PriusChat forum member Gasitman has created a hilarious NSFW (not safe for work or children) YouTube video where he lays out the steps to stop your Prius. Yes, there are about 40 F-bombs in the video. And, yes, he does look strangely like Walter Sobchak from "Big Lebowski".

Why the "Out of Control" Prius Driver Is Full of It

Submitted by Danny on March 9, 2010 - 12:03pm.

While we don't have any technical information provided by an in-depth investigation yet, yesterday's "out of control" Prius story just doesn't pass the smell test. Well, it does, but that aroma is BS.

Let's look at why:

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