It happened. Flat tire. No spare.

Most people don't know how to install a spare. I've done it for others several times.

 

I've got a jump pack too...

I've never needed it, but I can bail out others occasionally.

Good exercise for new owners: put the spare on once, just for practice. Even if you're experienced, it's one way to verify all the tools are present, and it's doable with that specific car. Empowering too.

 

I think I've replaced spares for others about 3 times. I've given about 15-20 jump starts (8 in one -20F day!), all without a jump pack (just cables off the car).

 

Jump starting is best avoided with the Prius. I keep a Clore JNC660 under the hatch floor on ours.

 

I've probably done 8 or so from my 2004. No issues. It's designed for it.

 

So no Prime for you.

 

Just because one does not know how to install a spare doesn't mean it's not useful. A good Samaritan or even AAA or what have you can install it. It is still better than being beholden to a tire shop that may be a). far away b). closed c). exorbitantly expensive d). all of the above.

Ok, I have heard this "Jump starting is best avoided with the Prius" several times now. I have already jumped my Prius once with my Volvo and still live to tell the tale, but what are the dangers, pray tell? And why would a jumping rig be safer than another car and a pair of jumper cables?

 

Yes, but the first thing that would repel me from the Prime (and gen 4 Prii in general) would be the looks, so I wouldn't even get as afar as checking for a spare on that one.

 

Same reason you want a spare tire - so you can do it on your own without need of help.

The claim about Prius is that you shouldn't use it to jump another car. Which is a bogus claim.

 

I've literally had more complements on the looks of my Prime than on any other car I've ever owned, including my classic show car.

 

I wasn't clear. The main danger is in using a Prius as the donor, giving the charge, especially if the other vehicle's much bigger. Perfect example: our Prius vs our daughter's Pilot. Come to think of it, that pretty much THE use I have for my jump pack, lol.

Disclaimer: I'm just parroting what I've read, basically:

small Prius starting big dead car = bad

 

I personally think the new Prius and most of the newer Japanese cars are horribly over-designed (I mean aesthetic design, not technical). So many ridiculous lines and lights! But I guess the public loves it. Not me I think Gen 2 is actually nice looking and prefer more subtle lines than in your face unnecessary lines and creases in sheet metal, not to mention lighting! Ugh! What's with those zig-zags? Also the basic shape of Gen 4 is just... not my thing. But this is all personal taste. I am very happy for people who enjoy these cars aesthetically. I am not going to force my tastes on anyone any more than I would want others' tastes foisted on me.

 

Ever seen a Prime in person?

Personally I thick basing purchase decisions on aesthetics is borderline insane.

 

I see. That makes more sense. The Prius dc-dc converter supplying the 14.5V to the battery has about 100A capacity. A start of a dead car can easily take 3-4 times that.

 

Which is idiotic. I used my 2004 to jump a Pathfinder and a Ford F-250.

 

I started noticing gen 2 when the 4's came out, could see the progression. I'd say 2>3 was more evolutionary. For 3>4, uhm..., considering where we are, better keep mum...

 

I agree, but given a choice that would be a big factor.

I have seen Prime in person. That is what made me not like it.

 

It's literally the last factor on my list. A car would have to look like a Thing for me not to buy it on aesthetic grounds.

 

Idiots with jump packs don't need to test the validity of that though.

 

Most people with jump packs let the batteries self-discharge thus rendering them useless.