Will 2010 Prius Improve "Problems"

1. never had that myself
2. european models never had it, never had single issue (same system new one will have).
3. i never found that as an issue myself, i am sure it is improved question is how much
4. that was issue with HID bulbs, new model does not have HIDs
5. it is automatically turned off without need to press button.

but of course, i am sure gen3 will have something else, otherwise what would people talk about? .

 

#1 - no change. In first 3/36,000 miles, a warranty issue. There after, the owner has to deal with the alignment and tire maintenance.
#2 - no bladder in tank.
#3 - requires testing, was not addressed in reviews.
#4 - requires testing, was not addressed in reviews.
#5 - requires testing, was not addressed in reviews.

Bob Wilson

 

I believe problems 1 and 3 can largely be attributed to the poor Goodyear Integrity OE tyre.

There are some suggestions that the actual OE tyre is a Sumitomo tyre (decoded from US DOT codes on the tyre itself), labelled as Goodyear Integrity, and actually performs differently from Integrity tyres bought from a store in the US. Reportedly, the OE tyre actually is low-rolling-resistance, while the aftermarket replacement is no better than average.

"Starting production of bicycle tires in Kobe, Japan in 1909, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is today one of Japan’s major manufacturers of automotive tires. The company manufactures and markets its products under the brand names of Dunlop, Falken, Sumitomo and Goodyear."

Goodyear's website rates tyre performance out of 10 for five properties: dry traction, wet traction, snow traction, ride comfort and quiet ride. The (presumably aftermarket) Integrity is rated at 7, 6, 7, 7, 7.

My recollection is that the Touring models come with OE Bridgestone Turanza EL42s. TireRack.com users rate it poorly for snow traction.

We don't yet know exactly what tyres will come as Original Equipment on the 2010 Prius, but the show models were equipped with Bridgestone Ecopia EP20 tyres on the 15" wheel. This now appears on TireRack.com with a UTQG of 380 B B, but there may be a mistake in the data as it shows only 739 revs per mile, which works out to a circumference more than 9% larger than the nominal 195/65 R15 size.

The UK Prius is currently equipped with Bridgestone Turanza ER30s which are a summer tyre. We're yet to break 20ºC ambient temperature this year. Coincidentally TireRack.com did a comparison test of Blizzak DM-Z3 snow tyres, Turanza EL42 and Turanza ER30, with the following results:



Test vehicle was a 2006 Porsche Cayenne using 235/65 R17 tyres. Tyres can vary in performance across different sizes in a tyre range.

 

If you get Prius II or III, Smart Key Entry sensor should only be at the driver's side. That means there are two less sensor to drain the battery.

 

guys, we already know that SKS turns off automatically after few days... there is no button anymore.

 

Oh ok, I now know too.

 

Per the New Car Features manual, traction control responsibility has moved from the HV ECU to the Skid Control ECU.

"If the driver presses the accelerator pedal aggressively when starting off or accelerating on a slippery surface, the drive wheel could slip due to the excessive amount of torque that is generated. The adjustment of the motive force and the control of the hydraulic brakes of the drive wheels accomplished by THS II allow the TRC function to help minimize the slippage of the drive wheels, and generate the drive force that is appropriate for the road surface conditions.

"For example, a comparison may be made between two vehicles, one with the TRC function and the other without. If the driver of each vehicle operates the accelerator pedal in a rough manner while driving over a surface with different surface friction characteristics, the drive wheel on the slippery surface could slip as illustrated. As a result, the vehicle could become unstable. However, when the vehicle is equipped with the TRC function, the skid control ECU instantly determines the state of the vehicle and operates the brake actuator in order to apply the brake of the slipping drive wheel. Simultaneously, the skid control ECU effects cooperative control with the power management control ECU, in order to adjust the motive force. Thus, this function can constantly maintain a stable vehicle posture."

[my emphasis]

 

Can't speak to whether the 2010 will "have" these issues as they aren't shipping yet, except for #2.

My experiences w/my 06:
1. Not excessive. My fronts are almost gone at 38K miles, but many on here feel that the OE Integrities are crap anyway.
2. It's not "difficult to fill". I've had no trouble adding gas. It's just that the capacity is variable, it's hard to know how full/empty it is and there's the "guess gauge". 2010 doesn't have the bladder anymore.
3. Never been stuck once, but yes, the traction control kicks in very easily, MUCH more so than my 350Z.
4. Never had a problem (have the HIDs) but have seen reports of that here.
5. Never had a problem. I've left my Prius parked for 10 days while on vacation w/o issue. I didn't muck w/the SKS button.