Prius MPG on short winter trips.

[rubberpill2002]

I understand that the Prius MPG on short winter trips could be very low since the engine has to warm up. But what if you were to start the car in your driveway and let it warm up just sitting there and then drive it. The interior would be warm obviously, but would the MPG improve?

[andyprius]

Originally Posted by rubberpill2002

I understand that the Prius MPG on short winter trips could be very low since the engine has to warm up. But what if you were to start the car in your driveway and let it warm up just sitting there and then drive it. The interior would be warm obviously, but would the MPG improve?

Do you actuall now own a Prius?

[rubberpill2002]

No, I am considering getting one, but my commute is only 15-20 minute in city driving each way. Is it possible to warm the car sitting in your driveway? Will this improve MPG?

[JimN]

Originally Posted by rubberpill2002

No, I am considering getting one, but my commute is only 15-20 minute in city driving each way. Is it possible to warm the car sitting in your driveway? Will this improve MPG?

No. Please describe your trip. Is the speed steady? Do you sit in traffic? What is the climate & terrain? Expect the 1st 5 minutes to be at 25mpg. The following segments could be at or close to 50mpg. Overall I would guess you could see high 40's.

[andyprius]

Originally Posted by rubberpill2002

No, I am considering getting one, but my commute is only 15-20 minute in city driving each way. Is it possible to warm the car sitting in your driveway? Will this improve MPG?

I"ll try to keep this straight, IF one drives any car and then lets it idle in the driveway, the car will get poor mileage. To do this with a Prius would be totally contrary to the whole concept of fuel efficiency. But please continue to read all the posts in Priuschat, especially MPG Did you know that in some countries it is recommended that you shut off your ignition while waiting at a red light! Why would they do this? EDIT: The answer to your original question is NO.

[rubberpill2002]

Originally Posted by andyprius

I"ll try to keep this straight, IF one drives any car and then lets it idle in the driveway, the car will get poor mileage. To do this with a Prius would be totally contrary to the whole concept of fuel efficiency. But please continue to read all the posts in Priuschat, especially MPG Did you know that in some countries it is recommended that you shut off your ignition while waiting at a red light! Why would they do this? EDIT: The answer to your original question is NO.

You still have not answered the question. Can you warm the engine up sitting stationary in the driveway? The question has NOTHING to do with anything else but mechanics. And if this is possible, would it improve mpg during the short drive that follows? I am not asking if this is a good idea, I am asking if it is possible.

[Patrick Wong]

2G Prius will shut off the engine several seconds after you commence a cold start. Hence the engine will not warm up when the car is sitting stationary. However, Classic Prius will run for several minutes from a cold start.

If you want to force the Prius engine to run, it is possible to invoke an "inspection mode" which will make the engine run continuously. Note that it is not recommended to drive the vehicle in this mode as traction control is disabled and the transaxle may be damaged if the front wheels lose traction.

Since you will consume gasoline in warming up the engine while the car sits in your driveway, I would say that your overall mpg will generally be adversely affected if you allow the car to sit to warm up, vs. if you start driving and let the engine warm up while the car is underway.

[Neicy]

No.

[andyprius]

Originally Posted by rubberpill2002

I understand that the Prius MPG on short winter trips could be very low since the engine has to warm up. But what if you were to start the car in your driveway and let it warm up just sitting there and then drive it. The interior would be warm obviously, but would the MPG improve?

Last question: Would MPG improve. My last answer: NO. ( looks like an answer to me )

[rusty houndog]

Originally Posted by rubberpill2002

I understand that the Prius MPG on short winter trips could be very low since the engine has to warm up. But what if you were to start the car in your driveway and let it warm up just sitting there and then drive it. The interior would be warm obviously, but would the MPG improve?

The fastest way to warm up any ICE is to use it doing work. Driving the car, no matter how low the MPG, is far better than any amount of time spent burning fuel in the driveway at zero MPG.

The answer to your question is no, the MPG will NOT improve. Just get in it, start it, and drive away.

It's an electric car when it starts and an electric car when it runs. The ICE just supplements all that power collected during dynamic braking. It's almost a perpetual motion machine! Hmm?