New owner? Want MPG help? Read this first.

[galaxee]

This is buried back in the old PC archives and I just did some searching for it to link to it in another post... and since we have so many new owners coming on to PC right now looking for MPG solutions I thought I'd link this article here too.

So please, before freaking out and posting how there's something wrong with your car or whatever other frustration is on your mind, read through this article and take these tips to heart. If this doesn't work, THEN go ahead and post a "please help me" thread and we'll all jump up and offer suggestions

"Why don't I get the EPA Mileage?" by efusco

[ddepriest]

This is a great link. As a new Prius owner, I appreciate your posting it.

In the article it mentions that "it is not intuitive or easy to use vented air from outside without engaging the A/C or heater"
So how do you do it? I can't seem to figure it out.

Also, what is that little snow-flake icon that shows up next to the outside temperature reading on cold mornings?


Thanks for any light you can shed.

[maggieddd]

Originally posted by ddepriest@Feb 15 2006, 11:31 AM
This is a great link.  As a new Prius owner, I appreciate your posting it.

In the article it mentions that "it is not intuitive or easy to use vented air from outside without engaging the A/C or heater" 
So how do you do it?  I can't seem to figure it out.

Also, what is that little snow-flake icon that shows up next to the outside temperature reading on cold mornings?
Thanks for any light you can shed.

[snapback]209841[/snapback]

the snowflake indicates that the temperature dropped to 37 degrees or below. So the roads might be icy and you should be extra careful

[galaxee]

Originally posted by ddepriest@Feb 15 2006, 11:31 AM
In the article it mentions that "it is not intuitive or easy to use vented air from outside without engaging the A/C or heater" 
So how do you do it?  I can't seem to figure it out.

[snapback]209841[/snapback]

assuming your 06's climate screen has a similar setup to my 05, you select your fan speed and temp (moderate is always best- i use 70) and make sure the little AC button is off. most times it will automatically turn on the ac, so you have to turn on the fan, then turn off the ac.

that's what i do anyway

[maggieddd]

Originally posted by galaxee@Feb 15 2006, 12:06 PM
assuming your 06's climate screen has a similar setup to my 05, you select your fan speed and temp (moderate is always best- i use 70) and make sure the little AC button is off. most times it will automatically turn on the ac, so you have to turn on the fan, then turn off the ac.

that's what i do anyway

[snapback]209863[/snapback]

I do the same thing

[Rancid13]

Originally posted by galaxee@Feb 15 2006, 10:06 AM
assuming your 06's climate screen has a similar setup to my 05, you select your fan speed and temp (moderate is always best- i use 70) and make sure the little AC button is off. most times it will automatically turn on the ac, so you have to turn on the fan, then turn off the ac.

that's what i do anyway

[snapback]209863[/snapback]

Yep, the '06 setup is the same as the '05. Just make sure the A/C selection is not selected and the outside air is vented in. That's what I always use, unless it's really hot outside (it was 86 degrees in LA on Sunday), I'll put the A/C on, if only at first to cool the interior of the car to a more reasonable temp. I try to keep the A/C temp (when it's on) at 70-73, and/or the vent at 72-74.

[ddepriest]

Originally posted by galaxee@Feb 15 2006, 12:06 PM
assuming your 06's climate screen has a similar setup to my 05, you select your fan speed and temp (moderate is always best- i use 70) and make sure the little AC button is off. most times it will automatically turn on the ac, so you have to turn on the fan, then turn off the ac.

that's what i do anyway

[snapback]209863[/snapback]

But if it's cold outside, will the heat automatically start? For example, if it's 55 degrees, and I want vented air, if I set the temp to 70, turn on the fan and turn off the A/C button, will the air automatically be heated to 70?

[darelldd]

Originally posted by ddepriest@Feb 16 2006, 07:39 AM
But if it's cold outside, will the heat automatically start?  For example, if it's 55 degrees, and I want vented air, if I set the temp to 70, turn on the fan and turn off the A/C button, will the air automatically be heated to 70?

[snapback]210437[/snapback]

This is how it appears to work for me! The only way to get REAL vented air with no extra power being used, is to set it on manual (whatever fan speed you like) and lower the temperature until is says "lo" then it won't heat anything... at least I think that's what's going on!

[mcH]

I've been lurking reading about Prii, convinced that I need to purchase one. I just read the article about gas mileage, and now have questons: The article states that it takes 5-10 miles to get the Prius warmed up, and mileage will suffer until it warms up. I drive 6 miles to work each day, and then drive anywhere from 2-3 miles between buildings; I can drive up to a total of 10-15 miles during the day, but most trips are 2.5 miles.

Does this mean I might be as well off in gas mileage by purchasing a high MPG gas only car?

Can anyone comment on how "bad" the first 5-10 minutes of mpg is?

"The article quote:
a)Hybrids (as other cars) have their lowest MPG in the first 5-10 minutes of driving while the vehicle warms up. Thus, for those of us with only a 5-10 mile commute we're unlikely to ever get the car into it's most efficient operation condition. "

Thanks == Sheryl

[TonyPSchaefer]

Sheryl,
Welcome to Priuschat. You said you've been lurking, so it's a delayed welcome, but heartfelt all the same.

Believe it or not, we have made it very clear on a Pro-Prius board that the Prius is not for everyone. I think you just might fall into that catagory.

Evan wrote that article and he knows his stuff. He also doesn't mince words. I know that when he wrote you might never get the car into its most efficiant operations during the first 5 - 10 minutes, he meant it. But what does "most efficient operation mean?"

It means the engine will not shut off as much as you would like.
It means that you might spend more time accelerating than coasting.
It means that you are more inclined to see mid-40s MPG than mid-50s.

There are a few other determinants, though. As you read, one is location. Another would be the definition of a high-mileage gas-only car. It makes me wonder if the "Priustoric" vehicle succumbs to the same warm-up issues as the Prius.

I'm not the person to answer your question, that's for sure. But I'm sure that others will chime in and provide more information. They won't be able to answer your question either, though. I'm afraid that one's up to you alone. Keep lurking and reading; I'm sure you'll find the information you need to help you make the best decision for your situation.