I have only had my Prius for a month. This summer we are planning a trip out west and will encounter mountains. Any advice, warnings or recommendations would be appreciated.

Just drive it and enjoy the scenery. Your Prius will do just fine.

JeffD

No need for concern. My Prius has done a great job of handling everything I've thrown at it, including steep grades. The engine winds up a bit and it keeps on going.

Welcome to the club!

I have some suggestions:

1) avoid driving up with solid arrows from battery to wheels - back off a little on the speed and you'll reach the top in great shape. Short hills, say 500 ft or more, it doesn't matter, but on the longer hills, try to stay in ICE powered mode.

2) maximum fuel efficiency - follow a heavily loaded truck up the truck climb lane. Follow does not mean tailgate! The truck will typically be going up at 50-55 mph and this turns out to be a very fuel efficient speed for going up a 6% or so grade. You can make up the time on the back side (and avoid having the trucks tailgate you!)

But as everyone else suggested, just drive and you'll do fine. BTW, we've got a Prius FAQ in the Prius forum. Also, you might look at recording your mileage in the database. It isn't a hard requirement and absolute precision isn't required. But over time, you can start to see patterns and improve your performance.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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