What is the most efficient way to drive a Prius?

[AlbertoC67]

Hy Guys,
I have another question:
Is there a special way to drive Prius to obtain a good mileage?
What are your driving styles on Prius?
Thanks.
Alberto - from Italy

[Sufferin' Prius Envy]

For highest mileage, one should always drive downhill. :P
Just kidding.

This questions has been asked before, so, rather than reinventing the wheel, I will refer you to these posts . . .

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=1...=0&p=161330
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=1...=0&p=174174
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=6044&st=0

Others may be able to help with locating other posts or non-PriusChat information.

Alberto, does your question mean you now have a Prius????

[Oxo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AlbertoC67 @ Oct 21 2006, 03:33 AM) [snapback]336038[/snapback]</div>

Is there a special way to drive Prius to obtain a good mileage?

[/b]

Yes: do not drive fast. Do not accelerate hard or brake hard. Just let the car slow down gently when you see a red light, etc ahead.

Before you get in the car, ask yourself, "Is my journey really necessary?"

[mootsman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Oxo @ Oct 21 2006, 06:07 AM) [snapback]336043[/snapback]</div>

Before you get in the car, ask yourself, "Is my journey really necessary?"
[/b]

Huh? Not driving is the "most efficient way to drive?"

"Necessary" is a relative term isn't it? Is recreational driving necessary? Yep for me. Gotta get the mountain bike to the trailhead. Gotta get the kayak to the river. Sometimes I just have to ride through a beautiful fall countryside. I just can't parse out my life to the extent that I'd ever ask a question like that....much less suggest somebody else do it.....but, hey, whatever works for you. No flame intended.

[Oxo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mootsman @ Oct 21 2006, 08:49 AM) [snapback]336064[/snapback]</div>

Huh? Not driving is the "most efficient way to drive?"

[/b]

"Is your journey really necessary?" was an official government question in the UK during WW2. It appeared in newspaper advertisements, on hoardings, etc all over the place. It didn't apply just to cars but to all kinds of journeys.

Perhaps it should be revived nowadays when 'global warming' is becoming a major issue and people are being asked to reduce carbon emissions.

With world oil supplies running out, recreational travel by car and aeroplane should be restricted if not banned.
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[Beryl Octet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AlbertoC67 @ Oct 21 2006, 04:33 AM) [snapback]336038[/snapback]</div>

Hy Guys,
I have another question:
Is there a special way to drive Prius to obtain a good mileage?
What are your driving styles on Prius?
Thanks.
Alberto - from Italy
[/b]

There's lot of good tips posted already. I haven't mastered "pulse and glide", since I usually just try to drive with the flow of traffic, and avoid "zoominess and screachiness", i.e., try for smooth acceleration and stops.
The first 5 minutes is always 25MPG, the next 5 in the 30's, then it gets better, so if you can avoid short trips on a cold engine, you will average better mileage.

[Tideland Prius]

pulse & glide will ultimately get you the best mileage but only do so when no one's around.

[tripp]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 21 2006, 02:17 PM) [snapback]336159[/snapback]</div>

pulse & glide will ultimately get you the best mileage but only do so when no one's around.
[/b]

I'd say "if you can stay with the flow of traffic" instead of when "no one's around". There are a few places where I can PnG and stay in the flow of traffic easily. Other places it would be severely annoying if not dangerous. If the posted speed limit is below 40 mph/65 kmh and if people are tending to stay around that limit then PnG works great. Usually you'll find these situations where the tarffic is pretty heavy and the distance between lights/stop signs isn't great.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Oxo @ Oct 21 2006, 10:28 AM) [snapback]336102[/snapback]</div>

It appeared in newspaper advertisements, on hoardings, etc all over the place.
[/b]

Hoardings. Is that the same as "Bill Boards"?

[Oxo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ Oct 21 2006, 04:25 PM) [snapback]336173[/snapback]</div>

Hoardings. Is that the same as "Bill Boards"?
[/b]

Oxford English Dict: HOARDING Brit: 1. a large, usually wooden structure used to carry advertisements etc. 2. a board fence erected round a building site etc.

Biographical Dict. of 19th Century Eccentrics: BOARDS, William (aka Bill Boards) (1818-1886) British carpenter who developed many innovative uses of flat, thin strips of timber known as 'boards'. Examples included fitting theatre stages with these to protect the feet of actors so leading to the expression "tread the boards". He also accommodated many travellers in his large house, a practice which became known as 'boarding', hence 'board and lodging'.

[tripp]

Weren't hoardings also a Medieval construction that protected archers from enemy arrows? Sort of like half of a roof?