feathering...and more

Excellent points efusco. All of this should be in a FAQ, making it easy for everyone, especially new users, to find these frequently asked questions.
I created one at another forum, and new threads were cut by 70%.

A Search fuction is fine, but not near as good as a well made FAQ.

 

As a newbie, I agree!

 

Regarding the "lots of following distance" tactic:

I just wanted to vent about the way other people drive. As soon as I see a red light ahead I take my foot completely off of the accelerator. People routinely change lanes to pass me, just to get to the red light faster and sit there. What are they thinking?

</rant>

 

Don't worry about those fools, just as they change into your lane they soon enough move out. They do reduce your stopping distance but you can't change them. Just live with it. Worst case scenario is you wait for them to stop for fuel ...

 

As a new owner who has made good use of the search function I agree this should be in a FAQ!

So you just purchased a Prius? Here are some common questions...

To that nice list I would also add:

Auto A/C - what gives?
Reverse beep - (yes it is out there but to have it in one place would be handy)
Oil change info
Tire info
A. PSI
B. Replacement tires
C. Winter tires
Winter driving
A. TRAC (older and newer)
B. VSC
C. Engine grill blocking
D. EBH
Secret compartments
Gas
A. Bladder system
B. Winter fuel
Jumping a Prius
A. To
B. From
Changing a tire - where the heck is it?
SKS operation
Headlights - do they turn off on their own? (yup *but see details...)
Links to good sites

 

So write up a FAQ, and tell the mods to sticky it... if it's good enough, then it will *stick* All the content here is user-generated anyway, so don't be shy!

 

It needs to begin as a sticky, making it easier to add to over time. I'd be happy to work on one, though they take quite a bit of time to create. Lots of linking, etc. If admins aren't interested though.....(?)

 

I recommend a user-involved FAQ. Meaning, knowledgeable users write the FAQ in the FAQ thread, then it is added to the first post (the FAQ itself). This makes it easier to accumulate FAQ's, and is much less work then it would be for one person. That and, certain individuals have a lot to offer in certain categories.

Layout: One thread titled "FAQ", the first post being the FAQ itself. All subsequent posts being suggested FAQ questions, as well as completed FAQ's (question and answer) by users who'd like to help. I would be happy to help with this project. Set up a sticky and I'll do what I can with my limited Prius knowledge, but some FAQ experience.

I think this will go over big.

 

Is this what you' all are thinkin' about:

GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post - Prius FAQ

What we did over there is find someone to put the FAQ together and then lock down the thread and make it a sticky. Then proposed changes are posted and the 'duty' owner updates the FAQ as needed:

Proposed FAQ Update - backup beep - GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

You kinda need one or two 'benign dictators' to handle editing the FAQ and keeping it current. Trying to mix in a discussion under the FAQ doesn't work because it confuses the FAQ with questions and clarifications. These should be handled as a separate thread and the results edited into the FAQ.

Bob Wilson

 

Glide, no arrows, is better. You avoid the conversion of energy from the wheels to the battery and back. Of course, if your battery is low, some regen isn't bad. But optimally, you want to leave the battery pack out of it. The hybrid paradox: buy it for the battery, then strive not to use it.

 

The principles:

The engine is most efficient near maximum load
Gliding (no arrows) is better than coasting
Coasting is better than braking
Braking is better than coming to a complete stop

The trick is in learning how to best apply these in the real world. The ideal way to drive would be to mash the accelerator to the floor and come up to a speed which allows you to glide and coast to a stop at your destination. Obviously that is usually impossible.

 

1. Pretty much, yes. Question, followed by the answer, with no additional linking unless necessary.

2. Agreed. Although having users suggest questions, and maybe even answers in the same thread is wonderful. I would also strongly discourage "discussion" in the thread.

Thanks for the note Bob

I wrote my "ideal" FAQ at magicJack.com, but then the forum closed temporarily, and they took down the FAQ. I also wrote the FAQ in the Tweaks Forum at dslreports (broadbandreports). Organization RULES!

 

They are not thinking.