What SHOULD every Newb know ?

Have you looked thru the Gen 3 forums for information?

Gen 3 (2010-2015) Toyota Prius Forums | PriusChat

 

when i bought my 2004, i didn't know nothing'. 3rd prius and it isn't much better. just hang out here and gaze through the new posts for interesting topics. all the best!

 

I wrote this for the Gen 2, but aside from the variable sized gas tank in the Gen 2, most of this is true to some degree in all Prius.

When you cold start the Prius, it tries to get the pollution control gear warmed up and ready, so extremely small commutes are not amazingly better than other cars. You are better off driving a long way as the first leg, then making all your stops getting home. (The Plug In Prius can make sense for very short commutes)

The Prius HV and 12 volt batteries dislike not being used. If you routinely park your car over 3 weeks at a time, this can be a problem. Drive it every week, no problem.

The Prius HV Battery does not recharge in Neutral. Do not spend extended time in Neutral, and minimize electrical use in Neutral. Also try not to gain speed in Neutral above 42 MPH from below 42 MPH, as the engine cannot turn on in Neutral and you may over rev the Motor/Generator1. (For gen 3 this is raised to 62 MPH)

The traction control prevents wheelspin. If you need wheelspin in your lifestyle, (snowy slopes, gravel driveway, etc.) the Prius is not a good choice.

The Prius is a poor car to run out of gas in. If you do not pull over you can run down the HV Battery trying to travel without the engine running. If your lifestyle involves frequently running out of gas, your HV Battery may be damaged. Once you do run out, you need 3 gallons added before you attempt to restart. Restarts with no gas can trip a failure code requiring a tow to the dealer, draining the HV battery will need a charger not even the dealer has, it will (eventually) come from Toyota regional.

The Prius is low hung, both front and back, I am amazed anyone 'lowers' their Prius.

800 pounds of passengers and cargo, and 0 pounds of towing is not a great deal of cargo flexibility. Eight foot lumber is easy, ten foot lumber is possible. (the v has more room, the c has less. No Prius is rated to tow)

The 12 volt battery is sized small, as it does not run a starter motor, sadly every 4 years you may need a new one at $140+ Being that small, leave the car in Ready when consuming electricity. Toyota placed the batteries in the passenger compartment with your loved ones. Only use AGM batteries with external venting and JIS posts. Since it does not run a starter, you may find you are inexperienced at telling when a car battery is dieing if it never makes that slow starting noise. (Gen 4 has the 12 v battery under the hood)

Toyota has tried innovative technologies to reduce pollution, The North American fuel bladder in the Gen 2 Prius prevents vapor buildup. It also makes predicting when you will need fuel challenging. Get gas when you get to two pips if you have passengers who will never let you forget when you stranded them. One pip is fine if you drive solo and never have to admit you ran out. Get gas NOW if it starts blinking, trust me. (Only a North American Gen 2 issue)

Many new owners try to get better mileage by not accelerating hard, a far better approach is to organize your driving so you do not brake hard, if at all. Gentle braking saves some energy in regeneration, not braking saves it all.

 

^ More like $1500 to $3000? It's the big boy it's cooling.

Another:

Working on your brakes, going to rotate up or lift off the calipers? Safest approach, to avoid possibility of system activating and popping out a caliper piston: disconnect the 12 volt negative cable first, and when done, pump the brake pedal several times, then reconnect 12 volt.

 

*Must-Read the owner's manual.

 

So if I disconnect the break pedal would that be better? Can I do that with a OBDII programmer or just remove the pedal all together? If I do, is the best method for stopping to cut a hole in the floor and use my feet? Thanks!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I find I am able to minimize brake application even while the pedal exists. I coast as long as 2/3 of a mile to stop signs if no one is behind me. I do not cruise right to the red traffic lights. I coast when I see Speed Zone signs.

If you know you can't coast to a stop, gentle braking early is better than abrupt braking late.

 

Just to be clear, I was just playfully joking, wasn't being a jerk/smart@$$. I coast when possible too. I live in a very busy area though so there's a lot of break slamming going on

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I have reduced the 'busy' in me. I do very little 'slamming on brakes': just because the pedal exists, I do not have to use it, the car has a horn, it may work, I wouldn't know. (young children and deer leaping into the road would be my 'slamming' mode) I have no control of the busy in others.

 

Its amazing what we are all capable of in the moment and not consumed with the affects of others on us.

Here are the original front pads on our 2010 Prius at 142 k miles:

Rear pads:

Regen braking is amazing . When you have no one around, use it to your advantage. When others are around, drive a couple of cars ahead. Be present in the moment and not distracted. The components on your car will last a long time if you can master that.