Surprised by low tank average

**TonyPSchaefer** · 07-19-2007, 01:36 PM

After logging two back-to-back 66.0 MPG tanks, I am surprised, bewildered, and frustrated this this tank will conclude at just above 64 MPG.

On most occasions, mileage tracks temperature pretty well. In this case, the average temperature increased from 70.3ºF to 73.8ºF while my mileage dropped 1.7 MPG.

I was checking my tires the entire time and they maintain a steady 52f/50r ± 1psi for temp.
The driving was basically and consistantly the same as always with a few exceptions but nothing that jumps out or can explain the long-term drop. Even when driving my regular commute there were days in which I would have expected to bring the 64 up to at least 64.5 but would be happy if the drive concluded with an addition of even 0.1 or 0.2 increase. I pulsed, I glided. I stealthed and I coasted. I used all the tricks that I teach others but yet the mileage dropped.

Now don't get me wrong. This "dissapointing" 64.3 MPG tank is still higher than any tank from the last three years.
But I still have to ask: "what went wrong?"

ZA_Andy · 07-19-2007, 01:44 PM

I believe you may need to retract the gliding parachute.

berylrb · 07-19-2007, 02:04 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Jul 19 2007, 12:36 PM) [snapback]481679[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

...

Now don't get me wrong. This "dissapointing" 64.3 MPG tank is still higher than any tank from the last three years.
But I still have to ask: "what went wrong?"
[/b]

Tony my man, rejoice in your 60ness! LOL, I couldn't help but reply, you're in heaven brother and don't know it.

But, I'll try to be empathetic, ... let's talk man to man, ... Tony, I believe you have a weight problem. Remember last week when you loaded up on Cookies and Cream, well bro' it went right to the adipose (sp) tissue. Do the math man, don't be in denial just make your way on down to Jenny Craig, and they will set you free! And before you know it you will be back in the land of 65 plus! :P :P :P

qbee42 · 07-19-2007, 02:12 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Jul 19 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]481679[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

After logging two back-to-back 66.0 MPG tanks, I am surprised, bewildered, and frustrated this this tank will conclude at just above 64 MPG.
[/b]

64 MPG! Man, I'd dump that lame Prius and buy a truck.

Tom

FireEngineer · 07-19-2007, 02:22 PM

While the average temp may be higher, check the average morning temp. I've noticed it has been low 60's many days and could have dropped you on the morning commute and the afternoon couldn't bring it up. I also was expecting a better tank before I filled up after the July 14th ChicagoPriusGroup event. And my current tank, under about the same conditions is higher than last time. Other thing is the gas from your last fill-up, different station?

Wayne

christob · 07-19-2007, 02:24 PM

I'm sorry Tony... it is all my fault... I've noticed after 3 tanks of consistent MFD 51.2 - 51.4 mpg values, THIS 4th tank is showing 52.8 - 53.2 so far...
So, the MPG faeries have clearly linked our cars, and I'm siphoning off some of your MPG. Thanks, mate!

**TonyPSchaefer** · 07-19-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

So, the MPG faeries have clearly linked our cars, and I'm siphoning off some of your MPG. Thanks, mate![/b]

Hey, as long as someone is getting those MPGs I'm happy. You're welcome.

brick · 07-19-2007, 05:13 PM

Still 2mpg better than I'm getting right now!

ystasino · 07-19-2007, 07:07 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brick @ Jul 19 2007, 05:13 PM) [snapback]481822[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Still 2mpg better than I'm getting right now!
[/b]

I am at 56.7 right now

donee · 07-19-2007, 08:27 PM

Hi Tony,

It was the 4 th of July week that did it in for me. Traffic was just was not slow and go enough on the highway. I dropped down to sub 58, and then the week after pulled the tank up to 59.3 after two 60 + tanks. When the college kids go back to school, summer construction workers go back to local jobs, and so on, we will loose mileage again as traffic lightens. Happens every year. Summer is busy on the roads.

Maybe you need an average speed trend line, as well as the temp trend line?

07-19-2007, 01:36 PM	#1
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,644 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 18	After logging two back-to-back 66.0 MPG tanks, I am surprised, bewildered, and frustrated this this tank will conclude at just above 64 MPG. On most occasions, mileage tracks temperature pretty well. In this case, the average temperature increased from 70.3ºF to 73.8ºF while my mileage dropped 1.7 MPG. I was checking my tires the entire time and they maintain a steady 52f/50r ± 1psi for temp. The driving was basically and consistantly the same as always with a few exceptions but nothing that jumps out or can explain the long-term drop. Even when driving my regular commute there were days in which I would have expected to bring the 64 up to at least 64.5 but would be happy if the drive concluded with an addition of even 0.1 or 0.2 increase. I pulsed, I glided. I stealthed and I coasted. I used all the tricks that I teach others but yet the mileage dropped. Now don't get me wrong. This "dissapointing" 64.3 MPG tank is still higher than any tank from the last three years. But I still have to ask: "what went wrong?" __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness >>Current Mileage<< Spreading information and passing gas in the Greater Chicagoland area

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07-19-2007, 01:44 PM	#2
ZA_Andy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VA Posts: 179 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I believe you may need to retract the gliding parachute.

07-19-2007, 02:22 PM	#5
FireEngineer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SW-Side of Chicago, IL Posts: 811 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	While the average temp may be higher, check the average morning temp. I've noticed it has been low 60's many days and could have dropped you on the morning commute and the afternoon couldn't bring it up. I also was expecting a better tank before I filled up after the July 14th ChicagoPriusGroup event. And my current tank, under about the same conditions is higher than last time. Other thing is the gas from your last fill-up, different station? Wayne

07-19-2007, 02:24 PM	#6
christob Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 175 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I'm sorry Tony... it is all my fault... I've noticed after 3 tanks of consistent MFD 51.2 - 51.4 mpg values, THIS 4th tank is showing 52.8 - 53.2 so far... So, the MPG faeries have clearly linked our cars, and I'm siphoning off some of your MPG. Thanks, mate!

07-19-2007, 05:13 PM	#8
brick Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 720 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Still 2mpg better than I'm getting right now!

07-19-2007, 08:27 PM	#10
donee Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,648 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi Tony, It was the 4 th of July week that did it in for me. Traffic was just was not slow and go enough on the highway. I dropped down to sub 58, and then the week after pulled the tank up to 59.3 after two 60 + tanks. When the college kids go back to school, summer construction workers go back to local jobs, and so on, we will loose mileage again as traffic lightens. Happens every year. Summer is busy on the roads. Maybe you need an average speed trend line, as well as the temp trend line?