[MtnTraveler]

The other day I took my new Prius up a steep gravel road for the first time. The front wheels started slipping a skosh (just a teensy bit). To my dismay the car kicked on it's protective mode (sorry I forget what it's called). I barely made it up there! I suppose that feature must be enabled to protect the hybrid system?

 

[DanMan32]

The effect you're describing sounds like traction control (TC). Like ABS, one has to know how to properly deal with it. I believe what many people are doing is reflexively letting go of the accelerator rather than being consistent or backing off slightly but still demanding power from the car.

 

[Phish Phood]

If you continue to accelerate, and it regains traction, it will just keep going.. it feels weird, but it works. Sometimes I take a wet turn a little too fast, it only stops a split second and regains acceleration..

 

[MtnTraveler]

OK, I'll just keep my foot on the "gas" pedal next time!

 

[richard schumacher]

A steady one mile per hour is the key, same as on ice. Remember that it won't stall even though your reflexes say it should.

 

[MtnTraveler]

I don't think the 1 mph will work for many gravel road situations. If the gradient increases, you need some momentum to get through it (until the gradient reduces). It's not quite the same as driving on ice because you are unlikely to slip sideways or spin out. The problems are always on the steep hills and never on level roads.

 

[wayneswhirld]

Convert it to AWD. You can claim bragging rights for the first and only Prius to have it and the very highest MPG AWD. :wink: