Re: "is there any way to reduce the hopping motion created by uneven interstate roads?"<br><br>There are, indeed, a couple things you can check. Although the manual suggests 35/33 psi, most people find they get a better ride at 40 - 42 psi. The stock Potenza tires have a max psi rating of 50, so this is reasonable. (But make sure your "used" car still has tires marked max psi 50 before increasing pressure.)<br><br>Several people have claimed that they had bad highway control due to incorrect alignment setting. In particular, toe-in needs to be close to 0.1 degrees (that's total, preferably 0.05 degrees per wheel).<br><br>Finally, though we don't seem to have the problem on the roads I normally use, I have driven in places where trucks travel fairly consistently at one speed. The road develops a regular wear pattern that causes oscillation at particular speeds. Usually, a change in speed of +- 5 or 10 mph will eliminate the oscillation. I haven't been on a road with this condition in a Prius, so I can't speak to Prius specifics.<br><br>Re: "Do you think that we could retrofit the daytime head light dimmer also?"<br><br>There's a substantial difference in wiring pattern between DRL and non-DRL headlights on the Prius. Toyota does not (currently) offer a retrofit package. You might be able to do it yourself, but you need to be very careful. It would be rather easy to accidently miswire things to cause short circuits/fires/lack of headlights at odd times ...<br>You would need to carefully compare the two wiring diagrams to be sure you didn't miss any of the subtle differences. Personally, I find it easier to just turn on the lights in the daytime if conditions warrant. They're only 10% brighter than the DRLs, so I don't see the big draw to slightly dimmer lights that can't be turned off even if they're annoying someone.<br><br>Re: "The salesman gave me a sticker that came with the car. It says, "Eat My Volts." Did everyone get one of those?"<br><br>Toyota, USA, intended that each Prius come with one of these stickers, but they weren't 100% successful at providing them. I think that most of the target population for early adoption of the Prius find this sticker to be a bit too "in your face", so I don't think all that many found their way onto the cars.<br><br>Good luck with your new Prius!<br><br>Robert Snyder<br>NJ-PIKACHU

Robert,<br> Thanks a bunch for the information. I inflated my tires to 37/35 and that made a big difference. I'll check for the 50 psi rating. The dealer had the tires all inflated at 30 psi. The tires that came with my Prius are Bridgestone (after the Ford Explorer problems, I've not felt good about Bridgestone/Firestone.) From other postings, the Bridgestone seem to wear quickly and unevenly. I'll have to check them regularly. Have you heard of anyone being given a hard time at a dealer for requesting an allignment check?<br> From the little time I've had driving, I seem to prefer driving in "B" around town. The braking ins smoother. Does "B" increase or decrease the gas mileage?<br> One more question, do you know of any aftermarket companies that make seat covers for the Prius? Thanks again for the help!<br>Jack

"B" mode is for simulated engine braking. You should only use this mode during similar times you put your previous car in low gear - ie driving down long steep hills. B mode hurts fuel economy because you are using "energy" from slowing down to physically turn over the engine (engine braking) instead of using that energy to charge the battery.

Butavessel,<br>Thanks, I've got that straight now.<br> I just got home from picking my daughter up from a swimming lesson. I adveraged 69.5 MPG. What a great car! I suppose it all gets common place after a while, but it's very impressive now.<br> I've always liked electric cars. I have a red 1976 CitiCar stored in my garage. I was the 140th electric car licensed in Illinois. It's like a high speed golf cart. The range limitation made it impractical, but I could never bring myself to sell it. I have an old bumper sticker on the car which I got from the DOE back then that says, "This car is no idling threat!" It would be very appropriate for the Prius. Perhaps I'll make one and tape it in the window.<br>Jack

jackspratt_1999 said on 2/8/02 4:27 pm:<br><br>&gt; Thanks a bunch for the information. I inflated my tires to 37/35 and that made a big difference. I'll check for the 50 psi rating. The dealer had the tires all inflated at 30 psi. The tires that came with my Prius are Bridgestone (after the Ford Explorer problems, I've not felt good about Bridgestone/Firestone.) From other postings, the Bridgestone seem to wear quickly and unevenly. &lt;<br><br>Just make sure that your tires are ALL marked as "EXTRA LOAD" and "50 lbs. MAX PSI". (There's also a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE92s that look identical to the Prius Potenzas, only their max load is 35 psi, and have been known to be unwittingly exchanged after flats and such...)<br><br>[snip]<br>&gt; From the little time I've had driving, I seem to prefer driving in "B" around town. The braking ins smoother. Does "B" increase or decrease the gas mileage? &lt;<br><br>on p. 102 of my old 2001 Owner's Manual:<br>"(c) Using engine braking<br>....<br>Do not continue normal driving with the selector lever in "B" position for a long time. This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use "D" position for normal driving."<br><br>Basically, the "B" gear in the Prius is similar to a "L" or "1" or "2" (a low gear) on a regular transmission - it's used to slow you down (less brake wear/heat) when decending a hill. You'll have less coasting distance when driving in "B" gear in normal driving, which is probably what will lower your fuel economy. (It uses the engine as essentially an air pump...)<br><br>&gt; One more question, do you know of any aftermarket companies that make seat covers for the Prius? &lt;<br><br>Yes.<br><br><a href=http://www.toyotapartsnow.com/ target=new>http://www.toyotapartsnow.com/</a><br>(accessories, customize vehicle for Prius...)<br><br><a href=http://www.toyotaguys.com/seatcovbrpri.html target=new>http://www.toyotaguys.com/seatcovbrpri.html</a><br>(they're now apparently calling themselves romaniatoyotaparts.com ...)

Michelle,<br>Thanks for the help. I'm trying to learn the system as fast as possible so not to do any damage. The Toyota dealers seem to be a wealth of disinformation. This site is one of the best sources of information and help to be found. Thanks again.<br>Jack

hey, I am in the chat room, does anyone come in there?

hey, ya gonna come in the chat room?

does anyone ever go in the chat room?

&gt;It would be very appropriate for the Prius. Perhaps I'll make one<br> and tape it in the window.<br><br>Go to www.makestickers.com and you can custom make your own bumper sticker for around 5 bucks.