Maintenance mode

Inspection mode (as it is called) is not designed for driving, just running the ICE continuously while in the shop.

You can potentially cause damage to the HSD driving in inspection mode.

 

yep thats what is says right on the MFD. DO NOT DRIVE.

Inspection mode disables the traction system so over reving of MG2 is possible.

 

Like others said you shouldn’t drive in maintenance mode.

But in slippery conditions sometimes you might have to. If there is steep, icy, and snowy hill that you have to start with little speed you might need to use maintenance mode to disable the traction control system. But with good winter tires you shouldn’t need to do this often. I’ve needed it less than once a year.

But the most important thing in those conditions (in maintenance mode or not) is to remember to put the gear in neutral or reverse when you can’t get up the hill. Other vice when you start slipping backwards down the hill Prius wants to use the front wheels to stop it going down causing you to have no way to steer!