Parking brake in the 2010 Prius

[rsgillmd]

The manual says to apply the parking brake and hit the "P" button when parking. I didn't realize this until I read the manual after already having driven the car. I didn't notice any problems when I didn't apply it. Am I missing something? Is putting it into "P" not sufficient?

When I test drove the 2009 last year the sales rep didn't have me apply the parking brake. Is there a difference betwen previous models and the 2010?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Tideland Prius]

Nobody at a Toyota dealer ever applies the parking brake (service or sales department).

The parking brake is for extra measure. Don't rely on the transmission to hold the car (besides, a parking brake is cheaper than a transmission in case something happens like a car hits your stationary car)

[HTMLSpinnr]

Prius parking brake is pretty secure compared to some as it uses a prowl vs. a band brake. Unless you brake the metal tang within, the car isn't going anywhere. That being said, I always set the brake to keep the car from rocking back and forth as all drive-lines have some lash (play).

[cycledrum]

Originally Posted by rsgillmd

The manual says to apply the parking brake and hit the "P" button when parking. I didn't realize this until I read the manual after already having driven the car. I didn't notice any problems when I didn't apply it. Am I missing something? Is putting it into "P" not sufficient?

When I test drove the 2009 last year the sales rep didn't have me apply the parking brake. Is there a difference betwen previous models and the 2010?

Any help would be appreciated.

I always apply the parking brake whether on level ground or not. And I put the car in gear with foot on brake, then release the parking brake.

If you're on an incline and put it in park, the car will move a little on the driveline. I don't think that would do damage, but it might make on feel bad.

One morning, half awake, parked in driveway, accidentally took parking brake off without foot on brake, car rolled back onto driveline while in park. I did not like that.

To me, the parking brake is an extra layer of safety. Just don't drive or back up with it on.

[ssekien]

I also apply the parking brake whenever I park (I'm trying to get my wife to do it too... but that's a work in process ).

I don't like the car resting on the transmission, and like somebody said earlier, a parking brake is cheaper than a transmission.

[qbee42]

This information was already mentioned above, but scattered about. Let me try to put it in one spot:

1) Pressing "Park" engages a locking pawl. The pawl is a pin that sticks into a hole and keeps the drive train from turning. This locks the front wheels.

2) Pressing the parking brake manually applies the rear friction brakes through a cable linkage. If applied with enough force, this effectively locks the rear wheels.

What does this mean? It means that for normal parking on a mostly flat surface, pressing Park is fine. On a steep hill, or in any situation where you want extra security, also use the parking brake as a backup.

It's good to use a parking brake from time to time to keep the mechanism free. Rust and dirt can be problems, especially when seldom used.

Tom

[royrose]

Originally Posted by qbee42

This information was already mentioned above, but scattered about. Let me try to put it in one spot:

1) Pressing "Park" engages a locking pawl. The pawl is a pin that sticks into a hole and keeps the drive train from turning. This locks the front wheels.

2) Pressing the parking brake manually applies the rear friction brakes through a cable linkage. If applied with enough force, this effectively locks the rear wheels.

What does this mean? It means that for normal parking on a mostly flat surface, pressing Park is fine. On a steep hill, or in any situation where you want extra security, also use the parking brake as a backup.

It's good to use a parking brake from time to time to keep the mechanism free. Rust and dirt can be problems, especially when seldom used.

Tom

I believe I read that turning off the engine by pressing the smart key button automatically engages park. You don't have to hit the park button unless you are sitting with the HSD in ready mode and want to put the car in park, such as while waiting for someone to run into a store for a moment.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by royrose

I believe I read that turning off the engine by pressing the smart key button automatically engages park. You don't have to hit the park button unless you are sitting with the HSD in ready mode and want to put the car in park, such as while waiting for someone to run into a store for a moment.

Exactly. That's how I power off: I just hit power and let the car do the work. I only explicitly press Park if I am waiting in Ready mode.

Tom

[David Beale]

<mounts podium>

It's a good habit to get into. When you come to a stop and will be turning the car off:
1. Apply parking brake while your other foot is on the brake pedal.
2. Turn off car (car automatically goes into "park").

This ensures there is no tension on the park mechanism. Note that the park mechanism on the Prius is a "sun gear" which slides over a "planet gear" that is bolted to the housing. It's pretty strong. Note that this is the only gear that engages/disengages in the "transmission".

When you want to go again:
1. Put foot on brake pedal.
2. Press "Start".
3. Put car in "D" (or "R").
4. Release parking brake and release brake pedal to go (when safe to do so).

Note that if you forget to release the parking brake, once you start moving over a certain speed (around 5 MPH or so) a warning buzzer/tone sounds continuously.

<dismounts podium>

[Blauer Glimmer]

I am in the habit of applying the parking brake every time I shut the car off, mainly because I have driven manual transmission cars for the past 30 years. In my other car, it is a necessity; in the Prius, merely an added safeguard.