Is it normal to always have to use the parking brake?

Well, how far did it roll? Hal

 

On usage:

When I learned to drive (stick, in the UK) I was always taught to use the hand brake when stopping for any length of time. The Prius DVD also says to use the parking brake.

I wasn't using it, but I've now taken to using it. It's easier on my right foot, better for the transmission and safer. The only downside is the noise when you apply it.

I've also started using the hand brake in our Civic.

 

• When you park alongside a curb on a level street, the front and back wheels must be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. Park parallel to the street if there is no curb.
• Never leave your vehicle until you have stopped the engine and set the parking brake.
• Do not open the driver’s side door unless it is safe and you do not interfere with traffic. Look carefully for passing vehicles, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Do not leave the door open any longer than necessary.

Not to be pedantic, but the section above is from the California Driver's Manual. Whenever you leave the car you should set the parking brake.

 

Maybe get the dealership to try that exercise. Compare with another Prius on the lot?

It doesn't take a steep hill to test, and would be less disconcerting: even a slight incline, virtually flat, it will move a bit without park brake applied. I find our's moves maybe 1 inch, two tops, in that situation.

 

This is very normal. If you are on any slope the e-brake I believe should be applied. But if you get careless the car will save your butt! Hal

 

That sounds pretty normal to me. Don't worry about it--just use the parking brake. I never park without it!

 

Normal - nothing to worry about.

Tom

 

Yep, normal. As a matter of fact, as the drivetrain in any car builds up play, it'll roll more. Just use parking brake along with park and you'll be fine.

 

Clearly the parking pawl is working, but if it rolled "pretty quickly" then the parking brake might need adjusting.

 

Glad you tried the test. Your results sound pretty normal to me. I agree with most of the posts that it's a good idea to use the parking brake when you shut down.

 

sounds like it is working properly to me. i have the exact same car, but i don't notice it being much different from the last 40 cars i've had previously. first of all, if it 's a fairly steep hill,(and i know that is a relative term), i use the parking brake as described previously. (apply foot brake, put in neutral, apply parking brake, release foot brake slowly to make sure parking brake is holding, press park and power off. upon starting, apply foot brake, release parking brake, shift to drive, release foot brake.) this proceedure keeps car from rolling and keeps pressure off of the parking pawl.

when parking on the flat and mild slopes, i don't use the parking brake. i release the foot brake slowly until the car stops rolling, again so the weight of the car doesn't slam against the pawl. i also ask pasengers not to get out until the car has stopped rolling.

 

I have a 2008 Prius that I bought used. (I know little about cars and I can't even tell you what model it is or what options package I have.) My question is about the parking brake. I always have to use it or else the car rolls -- similar to a manual transmission. Is this normal and does it have to do with the hybrid nature of the car? I wouldn't have a problem with always having to use the parking brake but it could be a safety issue when someone borrows my car or a valet parks it. I'll go get it fixed if it needs to be fixed -- I just don't know!

Thanks in advance for any responses![/QUOTE]

:welcome:, read your other responses and see that you have normal activity with your transmission, as noted the Prii when parked on any incline need the parking brake to be engaged to avoid "creep", not a big deal, but better safe then sorry.
To adjust the parking brake is to shorten the cable between the handle in the car and the rear brake drums, any Toyota dealer can make a successful repair if you feel the emergency brake isn't locking the car into a stopped position.

 

I think Richard misread your post.

Tom

 

you just need a quick foot!

 

Earlier Prii don't have the hill hold feature?