Have your driving habits changed since you got your prius?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stanlwyjohn @ Sep 30 2006, 09:05 AM) [snapback]325982[/snapback]</div>

I remember reading another thread about the same (or a similar) topic. This is my first car, so I didn't have any 'habits'. I love when my friends sit on the passenger seat and tell me I shouldn't slow down, when I am actually not, just the engine was shut off and I am coasting.

 

Yes, I'm driving slower.

I'm also spending more time on the compter talking to PC or Priusonline. I've also joined a Prius club. Didn't do any of that with my last car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stanlwyjohn @ Sep 30 2006, 08:05 AM) [snapback]325982[/snapback]</div>

In my opinion, this is one of the best things about the Prius: it turns people into safer drivers.

 

Somewhat.

I used to edge up to 70-72 on the freeways on a regular basis. Now I keep it 55-65 depending on what traffice will allow.

I coast to stops and longer distances when possible.

I also don't aggressively accelerate.

I've found driving to be much more relaxing and enjoyable now. I don't know if that has resulted in the changed habits or the changed habits have made me more relaxed.

The biggest change for me was going from a stick shift car with a sports car like seat that really hurt my lower back to a wonderfully smooth automatic transmission and seats that sit like chairs. It doesn't hurt to drive my car anymore.

 

Yes, much more aware of how I am driving and if I can get better miles on this tank of gas.

 

Since getting my upgraded 17 inch wheels, my driving habits have dramatically changed from moderately SLOW (before the wheel upgrade) to SLOWER (after the upgrade) :lol: I will definitely change my tires to General Exclaims once I wear out the stock tires that came with my wheels.

Vinny. :blink:

 

Definitely. I wasn't an aggro driver before but I'm much more aware of driving conditions now. Like others have said I'm a bit more relaxed when driving. I'm not in a rush anymore (except if I'm late for hockey). I don't get (as) pissed off when I get caught by traffic lights since I know that I'm getting a little bit of the wasted energy back through regen. I'm still annoyed when a light catches me in no man's land and I have to brake aggressively to stop before the intersection. I hate using friction brakes!

 

My driving style hasn't really changed.

I drive about 75-85 on the interstate.

I accelerate my little Prius for all it's worth.

I give the suspension plenty of exercise.


As far as the temperature at which you take a hit, it starts when temperatures go above 75. Then I start using the A/C, and mileage drops. Still, at the speeds I drive and with the A/C, I still get 43-45 mpg. When the temperatures drop, I'll probably go back up to 50-53 mpg.

 

Before I got the Prius I had slowed down trying to maximize MPG as I tried to justify keeping my Highlander. I find since getting the Prius, my habits have returned to 'normal', which for me is pretty much driving about 9 mph over the limit and staying mostly to the the third lane (next to the fast lane). I do use my new EV mod in the mornings to get closer to the freeway on battery power before the ICE fires up and I think this saves a little gas.

 

Since getting the Prius, I'm a reformed leadfoot! I'm much more relaxed about driving now, and getting this car has been a GREAT improvement!

 

Definitely more relaxed.
I've also caught myself feathering the accelerator in my wife's 325i in an subconcious and futile attempt to P&G!

 

Before I bought my Prius, I drove a '97 Pontiac Bonneville - and even though it was 9 years old still had plenty of get up and go - which it did whenever I drove it.
Now I drive to maximize my MPG - see just how high I can get, so yes I am definitely a slower and more deliberate driver.

 

Count me in the "I drive slower, too" camp. I was never really a speed demon (75 MPH tops, and that's usually when passing someone); now it's about 70 MPH.

Of course, the above is for highway driving; my city driving is pretty much unchanged.

 

well i can say i dont drive slower (the traffic around here takes care of that@!!@) than before, but my stress level is lower because instead of tailgating everyone and pounding my steering wheel, i coast, usually have more than double the recommended following distance, will start coasting 4 blocks ahead of time if i know i will have to stop at the upcoming light, etc. none of which i did before and none of which has increased my commute time one iota (whatever those are). instead of vainly searching for small gaps in traffic to manuver one car length closer to the next red light, i scan the lights and traffic flow ahead to see how well i can judge my coasting speed. when before i judged success by getting thru downtown at 5 pm in less than 15 mins to getting thru downtown without having to use my brakes one time (have actually done this 3 times!!)

yes things have changed

 

I would have to say that I probably drive a little more slowly, but don't have interstate or freeway driving very often. I do agree with the others who say they are more relaxed. I also tend to anticipate stoplights and brake lights earlier and do as much coasting as I can. I try to keep a decent following distance, but I've always done that - I just don't understand why so many other drivers think I left that space for them to use.

 

Didn't really change much. I slowed down a long time ago. I have also been pretty careful about maximizing gas mileage - keeping my SUV (a couple of cars ago) at or below 70 on the freeway. Letting off the gas early for stopping - The front brakes on my Explorer went over 80,000 miles between replacements. Generally driving with a pretty light foot.

My wife drives like most people - I joke. To places for the foot: Either one the gas or one the brake. Her mileage numbers show it. I can get 2 to 3 mpg more out of a tank in our Chrysler than can in similar conditions. I consistently get over 50 mpg in thr Prius, where she tends to get down in the low 40s.

The one place I kick the speed up is I-5. South of Stockton, the normal flow of traffic is over 80. I seldom go that far south unless I am going all the way to LA. In that case, the extra speed actually shaves an hour off the drive and I have decided it is worth dropping from 23-24 to 18-19 mpg in my Chrysler. (I drive the Prius 500-700 miles a week for work - we drive the Chrylser on family trips). My in-laws are in Redding so going north is a more frequent trip. Going north you won't stand out if you don't bust 80. I have two acquantences that work for the CHP that say they are more interested in people doing 90+ . . . and apparently there are plenty of those. Inclement weather will slow me down. Never over the limit in the rain, and what visibility permits in fog (which we get our share of in the Sac Valley.)

 

The biggest change for me is driving my other cars, both Subarus, less and less.