Prius brakes skid when in rains.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016.

Tags:
  1. Miguel Olivares

    Miguel Olivares Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    56
    4
    0
    Location:
    Oakland
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Hey there. I have a 2005 prius with 142k miles, original battery. I have owned it for about half a year.

    Rain just started to come down and I have noticed that when applying about 80% pressure on the brake, the brakes go full 100% and its a very harsh stop. THE VSC light also comes up and it scares me a bit that I am losing control of the brakes. Rainy season just started and commute daily between highways, what could be doing on with my brakes?


    When it was dry season, the vsc light wouldn't come up when braking harshly, but with the rain, i literally have to press aout 30% of the brakes until my speed goes to about 5mph.
     
    #1 Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    27,345
    17,950
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    What's the condition of your tires? Rainy weather is usually where marginal tire grip first starts to show up....

    -Chap
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Oct 30, 2016
    fuzzy1 likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    59,898
    41,168
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    When was the last time the brakes had a thorough inspection? Also, have you ever had the brake fluid replaced?
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Oct 30, 2016
  4. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,214
    905
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Assuming tires are not bald (>4/32inch) and brake system is in good working order, you do realize the first initial period of rain is the most dangerous time period? All the oil and other stuff is slowly washing away.

    You are close to Berkely and SF. Why don't you just make an appointment to see Art's Automotive (Berkeley) or Luscious Garage (SF). Respected, Reputable, and knowledgeable Prius servicers.
    Prius & Hybrids
    Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists
     
    #4 exstudent, Oct 30, 2016
  5. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2009
    993
    326
    0
    Location:
    Golden, CO
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    If your brake fluid is in bad shape (is it darker than honey?), you could have air in a line causing the brakes to be way out of adjustment. I agree, get it to a Prius mechanic and get the fluid flushed and filled if it's never been done. Don't try this yourself, or let a non-Prius person do it, unless very well-versed in the specific procedure and in possession of the specific tools for the Prius.

    If you want to try to save a little money, get a standard brake shop to do an inspection of the friction surfaces including tires. If you never use the parking brake, it's possible the rear brakes are way out of adjustment, and these can be adjusted manually by anyone, the same way it's been done for many decades.
     
    #5 andrewclaus, Oct 30, 2016
  6. Miguel Olivares

    Miguel Olivares Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    56
    4
    0
    Location:
    Oakland
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Tires are about 2 months old, still very new.
     
    #6 Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016
  7. Miguel Olivares

    Miguel Olivares Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    56
    4
    0
    Location:
    Oakland
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    No it has not. The breaker fluid is clear though, so don't think that's the problem.
     
    #7 Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016
  8. Miguel Olivares

    Miguel Olivares Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    56
    4
    0
    Location:
    Oakland
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I might end up doing that as long as theyre open on the wekeneds. I very much depend on my vehicle as I work 8am to 8pm. Thank you for the sdvice!
     
    #8 Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016
  9. Miguel Olivares

    Miguel Olivares Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    56
    4
    0
    Location:
    Oakland
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    The fluid is clear as water, but I will most likely take it to get seen. I always set the parking break after parking it( good habit?).
     
    #9 Miguel Olivares, Oct 30, 2016
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,748
    8,554
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The prius brakes do what you're describing in your OP. All my gen2 cars will do that. They slip/slide when you run over small puddles and small bumps while braking. It's very brief but it happens
     
    #10 JC91006, Oct 30, 2016
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)