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Parking on an Incline

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by gjs, Mar 23, 2010.

  1. gjs

    gjs Junior Member

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    New 2010 Prius II owner here. Thanks to the many people who posted here and provided a lot of useful information.

    I have a steep driveway. Am I doing any long term harm to the car by parking every night on an incline?
     
    #1 gjs, Mar 23, 2010
  2. cossie1600

    cossie1600 Active Member

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    Just use your parking brakes
     
    #2 cossie1600, Mar 23, 2010
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  3. vegasjetskier

    vegasjetskier New Member

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    On most cars, if you engage PARK first, then let off the foot brake (letting the car roll slightly), it will put pressure on the locking dog in the transmission. Then when you shift out of PARK it will cause more wear on the dog.

    Therefore, when I park on an incline, I engage the parking brake first, release the foot brake (this lets the parking brake take the pressure of the car), then engage PARK. The parking dog will hold the car if the parking brake fails. There is no pressure on the dog when you shift out of PARK to drive off, so no additional wear.
     
    #3 vegasjetskier, Mar 23, 2010
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  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yeah, I just use the parking brake. Then when leaving, I start, apply brake pressure, release the parking brake, and press the brake pedal till hill assist engages. That holds the car till I apply throttle.
     
    #4 Paradox, Mar 24, 2010
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  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    NO, no harm will be done unless the incline is so steep the car rolls sideways down it.
     
    #5 patsparks, Mar 24, 2010
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  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The parking pawl on the Prius is very robust. I wouldn't worry about hurting it. As others have suggested, for more security use your parking brake.

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Mar 24, 2010
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  7. gjs

    gjs Junior Member

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    I appreciate the quick feedback. Thanks all.
     
    #7 gjs, Mar 24, 2010
  8. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    If it's near or below freezing I would not use the parking brake to avoid the brake freezing.
     
    #8 2009Prius, Mar 24, 2010
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  9. cossie1600

    cossie1600 Active Member

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    Car is freaking new, not very likely to get sticky
     
    #9 cossie1600, Mar 24, 2010
  10. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    water can get into the emergency brake cable, and then freeze, that is what 2009prius is talking about
     
    #10 mitch672, Mar 24, 2010
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