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Recall Ruining a Good Thing!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by greylar, Feb 11, 2010.

  1. greylar

    greylar New Member

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    I know everyone is all hot and bothered about the brake thing now that it an "official" recall, but after doing some research on this issue I think Toyota not only knew about it but intentionally designed it to function the way it does. When the wheel slips most ABS systems just activate the ABS brake function, but the Prius is cool in that it momentarily reduces braking force.

    I have driven this car on some very slippery roads over the last few months. In fact so slippery that many cars were having a hard time starting and stopping. But my Prius takes off like it isn't even slick and when I hit the brake it comes right to a stop. Sure it feels like I lost breaking for a second but in slick conditions that is what you want, (not more breaking, but less). If the wheels start to slide you lose control of the vehicle and go in the ditch. So the Prius does what most people are too stupid to do... it lets off the brake.

    One day I drove the Prius home to get my F250 4x4 to haul some trash. Well imagine my surprise when I needed 4WD to get anywhere. I was amazed at how slick it was. I had just driven 20 miles and didn't even realize how bad it was, all because the Prius computer took care of it for me.

    Now I am afraid that Toyota is going to take that away with this recall all because the Prius doesn't drive like a normal car. Well it isn't a normal car its better. And just because the brakes don't feel like your POS Chevy doesn't mean it isn't working properly.

    Maybe everyone would feel better if the brakes went into full lock up when the wheels started to slip.

    My 2c
    G
     
    #1 greylar, Feb 11, 2010
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I suspect many would as that is what they are use to. I too am very impressed with the car's capabilities. I have not experienced the surge that I know of. When I bought the car, I had no preconceived notions on how it should operate and so far I have not been let down (except for the radio).
    With that said, I doubt the upgrade will have any significant impact. Probably more of a placebo effect.
     
    #2 spiderman, Feb 11, 2010
  3. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    The issue isn't how the ABS works but the transition between regenerative braking and ABS.

    You don't have to apply this recall fix.
     
    #3 32kcolors, Feb 11, 2010
  4. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I agree. I will not take my car in for the recall until I read how things change from others.

    The first time experienced the brakes not working I was a little shocked. After that I knew what to expect. It is not so bad.

    The Prius does a lot better on ice and snow covered roads then my Toyota 4Runner. I want to keep it that way.
     
    #4 Judgeless, Feb 11, 2010
  5. gpt

    gpt Junior Member

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    We are incredible!

    A month ago all I was reading was complains about the issue, complains about toyota ignoring reports to the dealers and all that!

    Now you realized the behaviour will change and you are missing what you had already?:cheer2:

    On the way from the office I was thinking all that stuff with the recall.

    I suppose we all agree the press made things look 100 times worst than actually are.

    I was puzzled how on earth the reporters figured out there was an issue with the breaks in the first place... (remember there was only the acceleration issue with the rest of Toyota models in the air)

    Then I realized I was aware about the breaks issue.... But I have no Prius yet (I will receive mine in a week from now) and I live on the other side of the planet....:confused:

    Guess what, we told them so! We had 20-30 posts complaining for the brakes... ;>)

    At the end of the day who has some gain or loss out of this story?

    1 Reporters always gain because they have something to report!
    2 Other motor companies gained market share because of the Toyota sales drop!
    3 Dept. of transportation protected you from Toyota and their faults!
    4 Sales went up for local brands - sales taxes went up as well as income tax from US factory workers. Jobs secured for some more time for GM as well.
    5 We are happy, because we are now heard, and the issue is fixed?
    6 We (Toyota owners) lost some value of our cars, because nothing will be the same as before such a massive recall.

    All that happened so we "Ruining a Good Thing!"
     
    #5 gpt, Feb 11, 2010
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