Getting the Most Out of the Toyota Prius: Driving Tips

113 messages, Last post on Sep 23, 2009 at 7:16 AM

You are in the Toyota Prius Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback

Do you have a technique for getting the most out of your Prius? Share it here!

Outline

Messages Page 10 of 12: 1; ...; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; Prev; Next; Last

#84 of 113 Driving uphill in reverse by jerry24 Mar 22, 2008 (11:47 pm)
i have a 2005 Prius which has not given me any trouble in the 2 1/2 years I have owned it. But I recently had a problem and wonder if anyone can help. I was parked on a steep downhill driveway. When I tried to back uphill the electric motor was not strong enough and nothing happened when I pressed down on the accelerator. I had to keep my left foot on the brake to keep from rolling forward into the garage door. The gas motor finally kicked in after pumping the accelerator a few times. Was I doing something wrong? Replies to this message: stevegold (Mar 23, 2008 6:36 am)
#85 of 113 Re: Driving uphill in reverse [jerry24] by stevegold Mar 23, 2008 (6:36 am)
Replying to: jerry24 (Mar 22, 2008 11:47 pm) When in reverse, the Prius can only use the electric motor. There is no direct connection between the gasoline engine and the wheels in REVERSE as there is going foward. When you stepped on the gas, the gasoline engine generated a boost of electrical energy to power the electric motor in reverse. It's an interesting situation that I've not run into. (It would be hard to start backing up a steep hill with a manual transmission). I think you did the right thing. I'll ask my Toyota service manager the next time I see him.
#86 of 113 Mountain Driving by laurasmith May 10, 2008 (12:35 pm)
I live in the California Sierras at about 4000'. I have a twenty to thirty minute drive to work. I go up about 700', then down 700' on a winding road at an average of 35mph with only a few stops. It does get cold in the winter. Does anyone think this typical daily driving falls within the "optimal" range to get 48 mpg? I have read that the optimal range is 30-60 minutes at 35mpg with few stops in warm weather. I want to go hybrid, but don't want to waste my time/money! Replies to this message: haulback (Jul 03, 2008 8:32 am)
#87 of 113 Thinking of Buying by sharon22 May 20, 2008 (6:57 am)
I'm wondering the same thing -- I live on a mountain, drive 20 mins. downhill/uphill to work 10 miles away. Rarely drive highway. Will I ever really recoup the expense of a Prius living on a mountain, driving short distances and only once a month (if that) highway miles? I am on a waiting list for pkg. 2, but . . .
#88 of 113 Driving up and down hills by semenzato May 20, 2008 (7:33 am)
We and our Prius live in the Oakland Hills at about 1000'. Almost every destination (except a nearby grocery store) is at or near sea level, so we go up and down the hill a lot. We still get about 45mpg, with a fair amount of driving in the flats. The hill is steep enough that we use the B gear (engine brake) and typically the battery gets fully charged about 1/2 way down the hill. On the way up we drive at 30mph and 15mpg. I think the Prius does quite well with a lot of short ups and downs, and less well with long steady climbs. But we also have an Odyssey, and when I use it for short trips up and down the hill I get 16mpg. I would think just about any car will get worse mpg in the mountains. Another data point: when we drive the Prius to Lake Tahoe we get about 40mpg on the way up, and 50mpg on the way down. This includes a long flat stretch between Oakland and Auburn, where the climb begins. Replies to this message: laughen59 (Jun 06, 2008 2:20 pm) eprupis (Jun 10, 2008 12:48 pm) peakoil (Jun 12, 2008 10:06 am) and 1 more...
#91 of 113 Posts moved by pf_flyer HOST May 24, 2008 (4:48 am)
This discussion is about driving the Prius and getting the most out of it. The posts on battery pack life have been moved to the Toyota Prius Hybrid System Questions discussion and you may continue there.
#92 of 113 Re: Driving up and down hills [semenzato] by laughen59 Jun 06, 2008 (2:20 pm)
Replying to: semenzato (May 20, 2008 7:33 am) I should be getting my 2008 pkg. 3 next week. Can you explain the B gear, how and when to use it? The dealer didn't explain it well and I don't get it. Thank you. Barb Replies to this message: eprupis (Jun 10, 2008 12:48 pm) peakoil (Jun 12, 2008 10:06 am) peakoil (Jun 12, 2008 10:15 am)
#93 of 113 Re: Driving up and down hills [laughen59] by eprupis Jun 10, 2008 (12:48 pm)
Replying to: laughen59 (Jun 06, 2008 2:20 pm) The "b" gear is an engine braking gear---similar to a lower gear on a stick shift or automatic. Only use it when descending long, steep hills. The cruise control will be disabled by its use until you restart the car. Replies to this message: peakoil (Jun 12, 2008 10:06 am) peakoil (Jun 12, 2008 10:15 am)