Brakes not working @ slow-speed stops?

Hi canesfan,

This is a case of getting used to a different car, and in this case a different technology car. Friction brakes grab at slow speeds. So its subcontiously learned that as one slows down, to maintain a constant decell rate, one lifts on the brakes slightly. The Prius is not like this. One needs to maintain a constant peddle pressure for constant decelleration. At slow speeds, that is when standard car brakes really grab, but in the Prius, that is where it switches from electric braking to the friction brakes. And the Friction brakes have somewhat less braking power than the electric brakes. So as you slow down through 7 mph, the braking power suddenly drops, instead of suddenly increasing, like in a standard car. So, a new driver just has to remember to push harder at 7 mph, rather than to feather the peddle as one comes to a stop.

 

It's all very natural if you pay any attention to your driving. I find I start to feather just a bit at the 7 mph transition point, then increase pressure a bit, and finally feather to a smooth stop.

Tom

 

It must be a minor event. I have had my Prius for over a year and haven't noticed anything unusual with the brakes.

 

It is minor. Most drivers would never notice it. I pay attention because I'm an engineer and I like all of the special engineering in the Prius.

Tom

 

scuba!

yes it takes time to get used to! just keep firm pressure

 

I think people get into accidents because they're not paying attention or because they're bad drivers. They then blame the technology in the Prius because it's new and different, and they assume that those facts give them lattitude to make excuses for their poor driving.

 

Agreed!

Tom

 

Back when I owned a HCH and spent time on the HCH forums there was a posting from someone who had witnessed a wreck in which a car was rear-ended by an HCH. The Honda driver jumped out of the car and started shouting "electrical failure" ! What a bunch of BS. The Civic Hybrid did have regenerative braking, but the mechanical brakes were just like the brakes on a regular car, vacuum booster and all.