Low Mileage on My 07 Prius

[richlaz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 24 2007, 02:20 PM) [snapback]516967[/snapback]</div>

Again, check all the stuff mentioned above...tire pressure esp., have the alignment checked. For moderate weather at 70mph on CC 36 is a bit lower than I'd expect. The battery can turn green when you slow for a stop after coming off the interstate, wouldn't sweat that. You didn't say how far you've gone on the current tank or how far your individual commute/drive is.
[/b]

Sorry - I'm still new to this forum. Trip is 30 miles each way - 26 of it on the highway. I've set my tire pressure to 42/40. Current tank so far I've gone 120 miles. I'll wait to see what happens when I've used the full tank. I was more worried about the green - thinking it shouldn't be charging the battery that much constantly.
I've also put in the Lockpick and wonder if that can effect the mpg readings. I've noticed there are times when the graph shows 5 minutes at <10 (though not often) and it seems to coincide with times I'm on the bluetooth.

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richlaz @ Sep 24 2007, 03:23 PM) [snapback]517040[/snapback]</div>

Sorry - I'm still new to this forum. Trip is 30 miles each way - 26 of it on the highway. I've set my tire pressure to 42/40. Current tank so far I've gone 120 miles. I'll wait to see what happens when I've used the full tank. I was more worried about the green - thinking it shouldn't be charging the battery that much constantly.
I've also put in the Lockpick and wonder if that can effect the mpg readings. I've noticed there are times when the graph shows 5 minutes at <10 (though not often) and it seems to coincide with times I'm on the bluetooth. [/b]

While the lockpick will affect the displayed graphic bars it has no affect on the actual FE nor on the FE reading on the MFD.
Don't sweat the green.
Let us know how the tank ends up...if you can stand it try lowering your speed to the limit and giving yourself a little room behind the rest of the traffic, maybe even leave for work a few minutes earlier to avoid the rush of rush hour to minimize slowing and accelerating and the urge to 'keep up with traffic'.
I'd still suggest asking the dealer to check the alignment next time you go in...it's free for the first 12mo/12k miles...tell them you're not getting good FE or that it pulls a little...they need a reason to justify it.

[DaveinOlyWA]

that is low. definitely check tires. dont be freaked by "max" tire pressure. the real max is acyually 50% or more higher. so u r not endangering yourself in anyway and i do 70 mph on cc and geyt about 48 mpg +

[Panacea]

I thought it was just ME! I've never managed to get higher than a 45mpg tank. I live in Southern California, so air conditioning is a must. Also, I live and commute in a rather hilly area--very little flat driving. I average about 25 miles a day for my commute. I haven't checked my tire pressure recently, so I'll do that in the morning and see if it helps. Unfortunately, on the freeways here you have to keep up with traffic more than I'd like if you don't want the guy behind you to have a fit! Sigh....

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Panacea @ Sep 26 2007, 06:36 PM) [snapback]518212[/snapback]</div>

I thought it was just ME! I've never managed to get higher than a 45mpg tank. I live in Southern California, so air conditioning is a must. Also, I live and commute in a rather hilly area--very little flat driving. I average about 25 miles a day for my commute. I haven't checked my tire pressure recently, so I'll do that in the morning and see if it helps. Unfortunately, on the freeways here you have to keep up with traffic more than I'd like if you don't want the guy behind you to have a fit! Sigh.... [/b]

Sweet Rush quote...did you see the Snakes & Arrows tour?

If you drive with the rest of the commuters you will have a tough time beating 45mpg, but many do successfully maintain the speed limit in the right lane in SoCal. Also, consider, when feasible, alternate routes that are more rural and may take a few minutes longer...it'll be worth it for mpg and stress levels!

If you really wanna see some nice numbers plan a nice trip in the country one weekend.

[hawaiiguide]

My 06 performs the same. We get 34 mpg. Very short trips. We have rough pot hole streets so we don't over inflate the tires. High pressure would rattle the car to pieces. We inflate to the car's specs on the door jam. Our AC is on low all the time.

It is hard for the car to get up to normal operating temperatures when it is turned on and off every 5 to 10 minutes. (I love that term... we don't start our car... we turn it on and off). We also replaced the tires with 205 Comfort treds because of the potholes and a desire for a smoother big car ride. The larger tires made no difference in millage... but, a tremendous difference in comfort.

What was helpful for me was when I read the post about the five stages of Prius operation. All Prius owner's who are in our exclusive "34 mpg club" should read it. It would help us understand that the car has to do what is has to do.

Also, when we took our first 30 minute trip we could imagine the full potential of the car's performance after it had totally warmed up.

So, we live with the consequenses of our limited use of the Prius. It's not the car's fault that we keep turning it on and off all the time. It is a delightfully quiet car owned by some who are not blessed with level smooth roads where traffic is not a problem... and hyper miles are in the future. For us... an electric car would be a perfect solution... if gas economy was one's goal. aloha

[sgtreed]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(callmetuck @ Sep 22 2007, 03:59 PM) [snapback]516293[/snapback]</div>

I live in Fort Lauderdale and have to laugh at a couple of your suggestions. Thanks for making them though. Our stop signs are less that 200 apart, sometimes only 200 feet! Our stop lights are every 2 to 3 blocks apart!
I did hit the reset button at the last fill up, although I had been told that this would be dont automatically.

It hasn't been under 92 degrees since I got my car, so I'm not too worried about that.

As for the tire pressure, I'm going out to check it now. Would you suggest the same psi for my 17" Pirellis?
[/b]

If you changed the tires and rims that is probably your problem. Prius's are very tempermental when it comes to rubber and rims. if you put bigger rims on it means more rolling resistance and less fuel milage.

[Panacea]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 26 2007, 04:56 PM) [snapback]518222[/snapback]</div>

Sweet Rush quote...did you see the Snakes & Arrows tour?

If you drive with the rest of the commuters you will have a tough time beating 45mpg, but many do successfully maintain the speed limit in the right lane in SoCal. Also, consider, when feasible, alternate routes that are more rural and may take a few minutes longer...it'll be worth it for mpg and stress levels!

If you really wanna see some nice numbers plan a nice trip in the country one weekend.
[/b]

I saw the Snakes and Arrows tour 5 times this summer! My family even road-tripped to Sacramento, and we were glad we did because my hubby and I ended up FRONT ROW about 6 feet from Geddy Lee! Unfortunately, I let my husband drive and he doesn't pay attention to the mileage so we'll never know what kind of mileage I could have gotten.

So far the rural routes from my place to work haven't proven to be any better, with the hills and the stoplights. I will keep looking!

[arniesalsared]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 24 2007, 01:20 PM) [snapback]516967[/snapback]</div>

Again, check all the stuff mentioned above...tire pressure esp., have the alignment checked. For moderate weather at 70mph on CC 36 is a bit lower than I'd expect. The battery can turn green when you slow for a stop after coming off the interstate, wouldn't sweat that. You didn't say how far you've gone on the current tank or how far your individual commute/drive is.
[/b]

Evan: This may not be the right place to ask, but- Some months back I was asking for help with my wife's '06 poor milage problem. We have 4 Prius's in the family and they all get the usual 49 to 50 MPG but the wife. Have been all through the usual trouble shooting elimination process including tire pressure, driving style, ambient temperature, fuel etc. Had the regional rep check it out with no joy. Someone suggested checking wheel alignment as a last resort regardless of the visual normal tire wear. I have the results and can't remember who the expert was. Who should I consult on the impact of the results of the check on fuel economy?

Thanks, Arnie

[Mica]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 24 2007, 01:20 PM) [snapback]516967[/snapback]</div>

Again, check all the stuff mentioned above...tire pressure esp., have the alignment checked. For moderate weather at 70mph on CC 36 is a bit lower than I'd expect. The battery can turn green when you slow for a stop after coming off the interstate, wouldn't sweat that. You didn't say how far you've gone on the current tank or how far your individual commute/drive is.
[/b]

Hi, very first time on this site and looks like i hit paydirt as this is why i registered. bought the car in april and got about 42-43 for the first few tanks, then took it on a cross country 5000 mile plus trip. We were loaded with gear, bikes on top and often exceeding 70 mph, even 80 mph, and still got roughly 40mpg for the trip. The problems started on our return. We live in the Pacific Northwest. The first tank back was fine, around 42-43, then it started to go down. I know it is cooling off, but my last tank was around 37 and now it is running around 33mpg. I drive so conservatively now, trying to coast and go slower, but that seems to make it even worse! Really now, could there be something wrong? I had the 5000 mile checkup somewhere in the Midwest, but did take it in to my dealer when i got back. It's almost time for the next checkup and i will certainly ask again, but they said when i was in that things were fine. I don't know if i am imagining things, but it just doesn't seem to 'coast' like it did.

By the way, the car performed beautifully on our trip with only one what i might call an incident. We did do quite a few mountain passes, and one was higher than 8000 feet. The car did not like that. It seemed to be working a bit too hard and I actually detected some sort of electrical smell. Fortunately, we were near a place to camp, and near the top of the pass, so we stopped for the night. The next morning was all down hill and it was fine. That was interesting.