[peterbelsky]

Anyone know if it safe to drive a brand new 2004 prius 3000K miles, the first week of owning. Is there a break in period for this car, or is it good to go?

thanks for any insights....

 

[mrv]

Break-in period

Like with any car, there is a break-in period.

quoting the 2004 Prius' Owner's Manual, page 202:

Break-In Period

Drive Gently and Avoid High Speeds

Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1000 km (600 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:


* Avoid full-throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
* Avoid racing the hybrid engine.
* Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).

 

[Vemuru]

I hear some noise after stopping the engine

I am driving a 2004 prius for the past two weeks. Its a brand new car. 2500 miles in two weeks. Now I always hear a sound after I stop my car. What could be the cause? Is it bad to drive too many miles in two weeks.

 

[RSnyder]

Though it's not a good idea to drive it hard for the first 1000 or so miles, I don't know of any reason why a lot of use would be harmful. It seems to me that it would actually be a bit easier on the engine since it wouldn't experience as much thermal cycling during break in.

I've not heard the sounds of a 2004, so I can't help with that.

 

[Daniel]

Re: I hear some noise after stopping the engine

... Now I always hear a sound after I stop my car...

What kind of a sound? Is it a kind of whirring sound? When you shut off the Prius it pumps 1.5 liters of hot coolant into a super-insulated thermos bottle. Then when you start it again (even days later) it has some hot coolant to help get the valves (?) hot right away.

 

[Vemuru]

Is that right then i think that might be the sound I am hearing. How do you guys know about these things?

Thanks

Vemuru

 

[Daniel]

How do you guys know about these things?

By reading what other folks post on these message boards. And by reading http://john1701a.com/

 

[Vemuru]

I bought the Prius exactly one month back. Logged 4250 miles in 30 days. Working fine. I am now seeing the first two bars of the fuel display falling rapidly, earlier it use to drop after 170 miles. I am getting an average consumption of about 44 M/G versus 47 M/G. Any thoughts? When should I take it to service?

Thanks

Vemuru

 

[moocatdog]

I bought the Prius exactly one month back. Logged 4250 miles in 30 days. Working fine. I am now seeing the first two bars of the fuel display falling rapidly, earlier it use to drop after 170 miles. I am getting an average consumption of about 44 M/G versus 47 M/G. Any thoughts? When should I take it to service?

Thanks

Vemuru

I don't pay much attention to the fluctuations in the way the fuel gauge reads. When the low fuel indicator comes on I simply fill the tank, even though it rarely accepts more than 7 or 8 gallons. As for your 44 MPG, that's in line with what most folks are getting--aside from those lucky enough to live in perpetually warm climes. Hopefully all of us will see increased mileage come summer. I took my car in for its first oil change and basic service at 3500 miles. Wasn't absolutely necessary, but I just thought it seemed like a nice number. After 4000+ miles in 30 days, it certainly wouldn't hurt to get an oil change. From what you've written so far it seems that your car is working fine.
Drive happy,
Moo

 

[mrv]

4250 miles ... When should I take it to service?

Thanks

Vemuru

As stated in your 2004 Prius Passport to Performance Scheduled Maintenance guide, the service interval is either every 5000 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first. Sounds like you are coming due...