Am I a bad mother?

Flooring it is totally different than with a traditional vehicle. The computer manages the how for you, as opposed to just a throttle being pulled by the pedal. Redline is quite a bit lower too. In other words, it's no big deal.

The feeling is quite different as well. The cars takes off without any jolt, something people used to rely on as a confirmation of acceleration. That's due to the big motor taking the brundt of the load, leaving the engine to join in afterward.

As for oil changes, that can be done anywhere. Prius just uses a popular filter (same as Corolla) and oridinary 5W-30 oil. Unfornunately, most places are sloppy when they measure. So you'll end up with overfill (beyond the full mark), which is bad for any vehicle and far too common of a problem... though most don't have a heightened aware like Prius owners.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Locust43 @ Nov 2 2006, 08:28 PM) [snapback]342939[/snapback]</div>

You can get the oil changed pretty much anywhere, as long as you're clear with the people about what you want. I take mine to our local mechanic, who's been servicing our cars for years. A Toyota dealer is also an option, but you'll still have to check to make sure they didn't do anything silly like overfill your oil or incorrectly set your tire pressure. You also don't have to get the oil changed until it's at 5,000 miles ... so you have a little time to find a good place.

I know nothing about the actual inner workings of the car, so I can't help you on the chain. You don't have to baby the car. Just drive it like you normally would. I've had no problems the times I've had to romp on the gas to merge or pass someone.

I'm sure you'll be a fine mother to your baby.

Enjoy it. It's a great car.

 

It does feel a little different at first; you can't control when it shifts with the throttle -- since it doesn't shift -- like I used to with an automatic transmission.

I, too, was a bit apprehensive about wringing out the car at first, but I can now report that this is no longer the case. Even better, my car doesn't seem to be objecting in the least.

I'm also pleased to report that I'm beginning to see the little 'sliding car' light come on with more and more frequency; it's actually a nice little educational tool (although I suspect that Toyota did *not* intend it for this purpose).

It really does seem to be a sweetheart. Some cars just are, and others just aren't, and this one (in my opinion) just is.

 

I think the fact that you bothered to ask means you are going to be a very good mother. I agree with the other posts just drive it, it you want to put your foot to the floor go for it. The only thing that will be damaged is your mileage and sometimes you need the power.

When you have your oil changed be sure to tell them that it will not take the whole 4 quarts. Just have them put in about 3 1/2 and give you the other 1/2 then you can add a few ounces if you want to, just don't go over the full mark on the stick. I leave mine about a 1/4 inch below the full mark, some people prefer to leave it 1/2 way between the marks.

 

Didn't I read somewhere (maybe here?) that the ICE was most fuel-efficient at wide open throttle? I've been getting the car up to speed at a reasonably fast clip, then letting off the gas and gliding once I'm at speed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Warwind @ Nov 3 2006, 02:38 PM) [snapback]343385[/snapback]</div>

I thought the ICE was most fuel-efficient at about 70%, but I could be wrong.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Warwind @ Nov 3 2006, 11:38 AM) [snapback]343385[/snapback]</div>

A gasoline engine is more efficient at something greater than a small throttle opening, some of them maybe even at full throttle. But the Prius also has a battery and when you put your foot down to far you start using current from the battery as well as power from the ICE. The battery is not a very efficient way to power the car because it has to be recharged by burning gasoline. The battery is just a way to store energy that otherwise would be wasted as heat energy. So I think the best way to accelerate for maximum efficiency is to use all the power you can without taking anything from the battery.

 

so the car's computers decide how best to manage your acceleration when you floor the pedal. no need to worry about that- why would they put a car on the road if you couldn't "step on it"?

the power source for the wheels is much more hardy than a bicycle chain, my friend. if you're truly interested in the inner workings of this car, there is a ton of info available here if you want to try out the search function.

as far as oil changes, some places you'll find won't want anything to do with a prius. for the better anyway, anyone who's afraid of one will probably screw something up. find a reputable lube place and tell them to add 3.5 qts of 5w30 oil and set your tire pressures to 42 front/40 rear (or whatever your preference may be.)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 3 2006, 11:25 AM) [snapback]343378[/snapback]</div>

Can you please enlighten me about this - what is a "sliding car" light? I'm in my second phase of new ownership - I actually pay attention to the icons that light up along the dash But I haven't noticed a sliding car...

Great post, I had been wondering about how to accelerate best in this car. Flooring it definitely does not have the effect that I was used to, that jolt.

 

It's to the right of the speed display; it's an amber rectangle and has this image of a car with skid marks in the center.

It's saying that the vehicle stability control (I think that's what it's called; VSC) is working.

I think to most people, it means slow down, you might skid; to me, it means the car is making up for my driving deficiencies, and I need to learn more about what the car 'wants' and how to drive it more effectively.

One other observation about acceleration: The car has okay 'tip in' from a standstill, but if you want to squirt across an intersection between cross traffic, it seems to take about a half second or perhaps 50' for itself to fully collect itself and go. If you're not careful, you might already be through the intersection by the time this happens and be surprised by a sudden and unexpected additional burst of power.

 

VSC light probably means that our Pinto Girl is punching 'go' to pull her through corners, and that the tires aren't quite keeping up. It's not a car-problem, but perhaps she'll be looking for 195 tires next time (soon?).

Locust, I hope you've got the idea that you are not bothering your Prius at all. If you wish to do penance, just check your tire pressures (hint there are 5).