Questions about the Prius Engine

Doesn't starting the engine over and over hurt it?

No. The Prius engine is started in a different way than conventional car engines. A powerful electric motor spins it up to operating speed, around 1,000 r.p.m., before fuel/spark is applied. This gives the oil pump a chance to lubricate the engine before it fires and comes under stress. Two of the cylinders start before the others, further softening the start and avoiding sudden stress. We must also bear in mind that the Prius avoids sudden changes to engine load so as to keep emissions under control. All this adds up to the likelihood that the Prius engine is under less stress per mile during city driving, even with the stops and starts, than a conventional car engine.


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