Fuel Economy - Mud Guards and Wheel Covers take 2

[brighamwj]

I have read the other thread on this topic, but the last response was 11 months ago so I figured it wouldn't hurt to re-open the subject.
I would like to hear a few oppinions as to the negligible or demonstrable effect of removing the fisher price (sarcasm) plastic wheel covers and adding the toyota mud guards on MPG.
My mileage seems to have gone from 44 to 42 on average per tank since the modifications. However, I may just be inept at the pulse and glide routine used to acheive superior mileage.

Please feel free to let me know your insights.

Thanks

[galaxee]

beyond minimal. when's the last time you checked tire pressure?

[brighamwj]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Nov 21 2006, 10:30 PM) [snapback]352838[/snapback]</div>

beyond minimal. when's the last time you checked tire pressure?
[/b]

Good Point...I was in China for a couple of weeks. I didn't check the pressure when I returned and have since driven the car for two months...DUH.

Thanks.

Oh yeah. I noticed you have the mud guards. What is your mpg? If it is listed on your bio/signature I will get it there.

[galaxee]

we get upper 40s-lower 50s depending on weather, who's driving, etc.

it's a good idea to check tire pressure weekly or biweekly anyway, you might try to get into that habit

[Beryl Octet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brighamwj @ Nov 21 2006, 09:02 PM) [snapback]352821[/snapback]</div>

I have read the other thread on this topic, but the last response was 11 months ago so I figured it wouldn't hurt to re-open the subject.
I would like to hear a few oppinions as to the negligible or demonstrable effect of removing the fisher price (sarcasm) plastic wheel covers and adding the toyota mud guards on MPG.
My mileage seems to have gone from 44 to 42 on average per tank since the modifications. However, I may just be inept at the pulse and glide routine used to acheive superior mileage.

Please feel free to let me know your insights.

Thanks
[/b]

I've not been able to notice any difference, I added the mudguards a few months after I bought our Prius, and was still getting in the high 40's. The trim rings came off shortly after, but they are occasionally back on the car, though, with no discernible impact on mileage. I get in the mid to low 50's depending on the weather, but most of my commute is under 60 mph for the most part.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brighamwj @ Nov 21 2006, 06:02 PM) [snapback]352821[/snapback]</div>

I have read the other thread on this topic, but the last response was 11 months ago so I figured it wouldn't hurt to re-open the subject.
I would like to hear a few oppinions as to the negligible or demonstrable effect of removing the fisher price (sarcasm) plastic wheel covers and adding the toyota mud guards on MPG.
My mileage seems to have gone from 44 to 42 on average per tank since the modifications. However, I may just be inept at the pulse and glide routine used to acheive superior mileage.

Please feel free to let me know your insights.

Thanks
[/b]

All Canadian vehicles have mudguards as standard. I seem to be getting fairly good mileage. At least I've kept the leaves and other crud limited to the mudguard area.

[Dr Ed]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brighamwj @ Nov 21 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]352821[/snapback]</div>

I have read the other thread on this topic, but the last response was 11 months ago so I figured it wouldn't hurt to re-open the subject.
I would like to hear a few oppinions as to the negligible or demonstrable effect of removing the fisher price (sarcasm) plastic wheel covers and adding the toyota mud guards on MPG.
My mileage seems to have gone from 44 to 42 on average per tank since the modifications. However, I may just be inept at the pulse and glide routine used to acheive superior mileage.

Please feel free to let me know your insights.

Thanks
[/b]

By the way, if you have the optional under rear bumper protector molding the mud flaps will not install. The protector wraps all the way around into the rear wheel wells where the flaps need to fit flush for anchoring with screws.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Ed @ Nov 23 2006, 06:53 PM) [snapback]353596[/snapback]</div>

By the way, if you have the optional under rear bumper protector molding the mud flaps will not install. The protector wraps all the way around into the rear wheel wells where the flaps need to fit flush for anchoring with screws.
[/b]

What rear bumper protector? What has that have to do with mudguards? The bumper protector is on the surface facing upwards at the opening of the hatch.

If you're referring to the black rear skirt that we all have, it's not a problem. Again, as I've said, mudguards are standard on Canadian vehicles so if you want to know how your car looks like, just browse a Canadian site that test drove a Prius (auto123.com/en and canadiandriver.com to name a few)

[JimboK]

I thought I noticed a small hit on my highway fuel mileage after I added mud guards, as described in this thread:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=18994&hl=

Longer term experience suggests that the fuel mileage hit for me is minimal, if at all. Nonetheless, I've made a small modification that allows me to easily remove them for long trips, when I'm most concerned about fuel economy and least concerned about my gravel driveway (the main reason for installing them). I replaced the stock Phillips head screws with hex head screws that are easily accessed with a box end or open end wrench without turning the front wheels or removing the rear ones. I keep a box end ratchet in the car just for this purpose, so now I can completely remove them or replace them in about 10 minutes.

[Dr Ed]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 24 2006, 01:37 AM) [snapback]353648[/snapback]</div>

What rear bumper protector? What has that have to do with mudguards? The bumper protector is on the surface facing upwards at the opening of the hatch.

If you're referring to the black rear skirt that we all have, it's not a problem. Again, as I've said, mudguards are standard on Canadian vehicles so if you want to know how your car looks like, just browse a Canadian site that test drove a Prius (auto123.com/en and canadiandriver.com to name a few)
[/b]

Ok, the rear skirt. Local dealers here refer to it as under bumper protector. I purchased Toyota mud flaps and they do not approximate the wheel wells where the skirt wraps around there. Perhaps there is a flap version in Canada with a groove that accommodates the skirt, or maybe cars with flaps do not have the wheel well skirt segments?