2005 Prius Brake inconsistency

Not a stupid question at all. What you are experiencing is a little disturbing at first but it is normal for the car. The regenerative braking kicks in when you let off the accelerator, while it slows faster than it would without the regen factor and saves on the needed braking also allowing longer life for the brakes. It increases the generating power with the increasing pressure on the brake peddle. The recaptured energy provides charge to the HV battery. The regen braking is engaged until 6-8 mph, then it disengages and returns to only braking. There is a noticeable change in the braking at this point.

Sounds like you are naturally adjusting to this difference. One other way to adjust to the way the car works is to begin slowing sooner and using less braking. This will increase fuel mileage, get more life from your brakes, allow smoother braking, and provide more recaptured energy to the HV battery.

Congrats on your purchase, welcome to the Prius community. Enjoy!

 

The transition to friction braking at ~7mph should not be harsh. Try cleaning the rotors:

1. Get up to 25-30 mph on a road with no traffic.
2. switch into neutral (N) to shut down regenerative braking.
3. apply the brakes lightly and listen to the scraping sound of the brakes.
4. repeat a few times and the scraping noise should be reduced as the rust is cleaned off.

The transition should then be less abrupt.

If this does not help, take your Prius to Taylor's Auto in Sanford NC (a qualified independent hybrid repair facility) to have him go over your braking system.

JeffD

 

If you get really good at it you'll put the car in neutral quite often when coming to a stop. Stop a few times during the day in friction only and that abrupt braking will stop. But if you store the car outside it will be very frequent
especially after a rain.

 

This regen braking is the primary reason that PRIUS BRAKES LAST A VERY LONG TIME!
It also the reason that Prius brakes tend to develop surface rust.