Driving a Hybrid -- anything different about it? Anything I should know?

[bertha katzenengel]

I rented a Prius for a trip later this week. I don't exactly want to say "how do you drive it," but I guess some things are different.

What should I know?

Thanks

[Phillycat]

1. It actualy is a little different. :)

Not a hybrid generally, but the Prius. We rented one for when my husband's family was over from England for our wedding, we needed an extra vehicle.

A couple of things that were different: starting it the first time is tricky, although you get used to that quickly. There's a series of things you have to do, in the correct order, or the car won't start. The part that makes it harder is that you can't hear the car idling AT ALL (like, no sound or vibration) so sometimes you've started it and you don't know it! Heh. We were useless with it the first day.

Also, there's a flat plastic key that slides into a slot, and a push button starter, instead of a metal key. We also had a key fob that was held against the windshield to lock and unlock the doors, but that might have been installed by the rental company, I'm not sure.

Anyway, other than those small things, we just loved the Prius! The ride is smooth and comfortable, there are about a million options for climate control and music, and there's a camera on the back of the car that shows what's behind you on a video screen so you don't hit anything while you're backing up! Which is cool. :) But most importantly, we drove it for a week (inluding trips to NYC and Wildwood from Philly) and only filled it up ONCE. Amazing gas mileage! :)

[Orsino]

9. Stick the fob into the slot...

...depress the brake pedal, and push the power button. That procedure isn't very intuitive, and the manual should have illustrated instructions on the valet card. My fob connects wirelessly, so I don't even have to take it out of my pocket.

When you put the car into reverse, the annoying beep is to remind you that pedestrians and other drivers may not hear you coming. It's not audible outside.

You'll want to use your side mirrors and windows carefully, as rear visibility is poor.

Other than that, don't get too enthralled by the video display. You may find that you want your own, in which case you should be careful not to drool all over the rental!

[EstimatedProphet]

2. You fill it with electric instead of gas

[Ellen Forradalom]

3. Depress the brake pedal BEFORE pushing the power button.

Boy, did that throw me for a loop at first.

Also, if you don't depress the brake while shifting from park into gear, it decides you're a bad driver and won't go any place.

[supernova]

4. Don't run over any blind people

:silly:

[coffeenap]

5. I drive one every day, Bertha. If you need guidance once you

get it, please feel free to pm me.

Yes, you must get in, put the key in the slot, put your foot on the brake and press the button. In order to actually start the car, you must press the button for about a second or two. If you press the button for a shorter time, you will only activate the dashboard info, heater or a/c fan, radio, etc. Don't worry if, when you press the button again, if failing to start the first time, the whole thing goes off. Just repeat the foot-on-brake, press-the-button-for-over-a-second actions, and it will start right up.

A few notes: The dashboard is in a different place than you will be used to. It is all the way forward, so be sure to take a bit of time to become accustomed to it. (I love it, I am short and have much better visibility this way.) When turning off the car, be sure to check that it is indeed, off. Look at the dash--be sure all the lights are off. It is easy to forget that the car will make no sound, even if on.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to pm or respond here. I will check in later. Have fun!

On edit: One more thing, when you put it in gear, the shift will not stay where you put it. It just kind of "checks in" at the position, and goes back to the middle. Don't be alarmed. The dash will tell you whether you are in drive, park, or reverse!

[Greyskye]

6. Be gentle on the brakes

The brakes are a lot more sensitive then your typical brakes.

Don't run out of gas. You'll be tempted to stretch the tank as far as possible, but when it tells you to 'add fuel', do it. You can only get a couple miles (best case) on electric only.

[Beaverhausen]

7. There are lots of blind spots

so take time getting used to them and just be extra careful when turning, backing up, etc.

To get the best gas mileage, try to drive 'like an old person' meaning don't jack rabbit start, coast to lights and stop signs, etc.

[bertha katzenengel]

8. THANK YOU EVERYONE

Sorry for no personal replies today.

Now I feel better - you've given me some idea of what to do/expect. Thanks!