Just got my Prius yesterday and I love it! Not sure if I'm starting the car correctly. When I get in, I press the regular brake, then release the parking brake and without releasing the regular brake I then press the start button and place the car in reverse (or drive depending where I am). Does this sound right or am I 'riding' on my regular brake too much, and does it matter. This is when I am on a relatively flat surface, I realize that on a slope I should be releasing the parking brake at the very end. Hope this isn't an incredibly stupid question.
What you are doing is fine. You drive a Prius just like any ordinary automatic: let off the brake and it creeps. Tom
"The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked." Everything you're doing sounds fine to me. FYI, if you do NOT step on the brake when you press the Start button, the Prius will go into accessory mode instead of starting the engine.
thanks for the quick reply, can't wait to drive it again. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work after lunch just to drive my car!
"riding the brakes" means keeping your foot on the a lot when you're actually moving. this would reduce your mpg's and cause premature brake pad wear. you have to keep your foot on the brake when you don't want to move or move more slowly than creep effect allows. enjoy your new ride and welcome to the club!
Time to go freebird, skip work, and follow a touring jam band across the country in your new peace wagon. :hippie:
