How do you do it???

wjterry · 08-21-2009, 08:36 AM

Having purchased my '10 Prius, I have been most pleased with the comfort and performance of the car; however, I must say that I am somewhat impressed with the mpg others have reported as compared to that which I have experienced.

I drive 45 miles to and from work each day. Thirty of those miles is spent on interstate hihgway and the remainig 60 miles are driven on an excellent two lane road on which I travel at an average speed of at least 55 miles per hour. Many of the posts I read here and elsewhere speak of an mpg of 50, 52, 55 and even greater mpg ratings. My best mpg so far (I've driven about 5,200 miles) has been around 48 with most reading in the 47+ range as measured at the pump not per the instrument display.

What techniques are you guys with the 50+ ratings employing to reach the full potential of the car's technology? Don't get get me wrong. I am extremely grateful for the 47mpg as compared to the 14mpg I was getting on my Tahoe, but I feel I can do better...I just need to learn how. any suggestions?

Thanks
Wes - Winchester, KY

Odometer Reading Miles Gallons $Cost Refuel Date MPG $Cost per Mile
16 (fuel added) (mileage)
365 349.0 7.683 $19.20 6/18/09 45.4 $0.055
781 416.0 8.597 $22.00 6/23/09 48.4 $0.053
1168 387.0 8.002 $24.48 6/29/09 48.4 $0.063
1536 368.0 7.62 $19.50 7/3/09 48.3 $0.053
2017 481.0 10.023 $25.35 7/9/09 48.0 $0.053
2407 390.0 8.264 $20.16 7/16/09 47.2 $0.052
2608 201.0 4.483 $10.17 7/17/09 44.8 $0.051
3043 435.0 9.155 $21.41 7/24/09 47.5 $0.049
3238 195.0 4.087 $9.80 7/25/09 47.7 $0.050
3678 440.0 9.305 $23.25 7/29/09 47.3 $0.053
4095 417.0 8.778 $21.94 8/3/09 47.5 $0.053
4511 416.0 8.407 $21.85 8/7/09 49.5 $0.053
4910 399.0 8.578 $22.29 8/10/09 46.5 $0.056
5110 200.0 4.24 $10.21 8/15/09 47.2 $0.051
5522 412.0 8.698 $22.61 8/21/09 47.4 $0.055

Glider · 08-21-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjterry

I am extremely grateful for the 47mpg as compared to the 14mpg I was getting on my Tahoe, but I feel I can do better...I just need to learn how. any suggestions?

A lot of material has been posted on this already. You may want to start by readint the posts in the "Fuel Economy" forum.

dmvp · 08-21-2009, 08:57 AM

One mistake I made with my new Prius, was trying to go slow from stops and then holding speed once I made it to the speed limit. I got low mpg this way.

After reading a lot on this forum, I learned that it it better to get past the speed limit quickly from stop, and then let off of the accelerator slightly. This increases your mpg (you'll see the bar shoot up quickly) significantly. When you start to slow down a bit, give it some more gas and then let off a little.

Not sure if this is pure "pulse and glide", but I find it works very well for me, and I'm averaging about 56 mpg with everyday driving.

a64pilot · 08-21-2009, 09:48 AM

Best advice I've heard is to "drive as if your brakes didn't work". Refers to conservation of momentum. I get in the mid 60's by driving the speed limit and "gliding" or coasting as much as possible. Try to cost as much as traffic and time will allow up to every stop, use the brakes as little as possible. I never use the power section of the HSI, but I live in mostly a rural area, and have not gotten on the interstate yet either. I rather enjoy taking two lane roads where the traffic is less and taking my time driving the speed limit and enjoying the scenery. It's relaxing, and I enjoy the Prius that way.

**efusco** · 08-21-2009, 09:52 AM

What speed do you drive on the interstate? I'm sure that's what's killing you. And if you can slow down a little on the 2-lane that would help too.
As suggested, check the stickies in the Fuel Economy forum for a ton of tips and explaination of why YMMV.

radioprius1 · 08-21-2009, 09:58 AM

Here are two graphics to help you.

The first made all the difference to me. Basically when accelerating from a stop I keep my bar in that "pulse" zone. And once I reach my speed I let off the gas and keep the bar in the "glide" zone (although I go out of the glide zone, but still not past the halfway bar). Also like everyone said, drive like you don't have breaks. If you know you are going to be coming to a stop in a 1/4 mile, let off the gas and coast to the stop. Why speed to the stop then slam on your breaks? Same if you are exiting the interstate, etc. Once you get used to driving like that you'll see how poorly/inefficiently everyone around you drives!

hyo silver · 08-21-2009, 10:01 AM

As reported in many threads, tire pressure can make a big difference. Try at least 42/40.

jay_man2 · 08-21-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmvp

One mistake I made with my new Prius, was trying to go slow from stops and then holding speed once I made it to the speed limit. I got low mpg this way.

After reading a lot on this forum, I learned that it it better to get past the speed limit quickly from stop, and then let off of the accelerator slightly. This increases your mpg (you'll see the bar shoot up quickly) significantly. When you start to slow down a bit, give it some more gas and then let off a little.

Not sure if this is pure "pulse and glide", but I find it works very well for me, and I'm averaging about 56 mpg with everyday driving.

Same here. When I commute to work it's easy to get over 50 mpg doing this. When I work from home, and just run a short trip to the gym or grocery store, my mileage sinks, because the car doesn't get warmed up enough.

clo2guy · 08-21-2009, 10:31 AM

Just be patient and have fun experimenting with your driving habits over time. For me, getting better mileage has been intuituive rather than toughtful.

Last summer we took our then new prius from atlanta to chicago and averaged about 45 mpg over the 1400 mile round trip. This summer we made the same trip and averaged very close to 50 mpg. Couldn't tell you what we did differently... Average speed probably about 75 mph on both occassions - sorry y'all, over the years I've adopted Atlanta's drive fast or get crushed mindset.

Totally agree that anticipation is the most important means of maximizing fuel economy. When you see the light up ahead turn red, lay of the gas.

Glider · 08-21-2009, 11:36 AM

To give yourself confidence that you can get over 60 MPG, try this -

- put in in cruise control at 55 mph then reset Trip A or B, and drive at least 10 mi and write down your ave MPG from the MID

- turn around and drive the same section of road the same way

- average your two readings, if not over 60 MPG something may be wrong with the car

You'll also need these conditions while you are doing the test:

tires at least sidewall max pressure
A/C at 78 degrees (not so bad)
ECO mode

Once in cruise, if you have to hit brakes, change speed or get out of cruise becasue of traffic, etc. forget the run and try again when you have time.

Good luck and let us know if you beat 60 MPG

- g

08-21-2009, 08:36 AM	#1
wjterry Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Winchester, KY Posts: 20 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	How do you do it??? Having purchased my '10 Prius, I have been most pleased with the comfort and performance of the car; however, I must say that I am somewhat impressed with the mpg others have reported as compared to that which I have experienced. I drive 45 miles to and from work each day. Thirty of those miles is spent on interstate hihgway and the remainig 60 miles are driven on an excellent two lane road on which I travel at an average speed of at least 55 miles per hour. Many of the posts I read here and elsewhere speak of an mpg of 50, 52, 55 and even greater mpg ratings. My best mpg so far (I've driven about 5,200 miles) has been around 48 with most reading in the 47+ range as measured at the pump not per the instrument display. What techniques are you guys with the 50+ ratings employing to reach the full potential of the car's technology? Don't get get me wrong. I am extremely grateful for the 47mpg as compared to the 14mpg I was getting on my Tahoe, but I feel I can do better...I just need to learn how. any suggestions? Thanks Wes - Winchester, KY Odometer Reading Miles Gallons $Cost Refuel Date MPG $Cost per Mile 16 (fuel added) (mileage) 365 349.0 7.683 $19.20 6/18/09 45.4 $0.055 781 416.0 8.597 $22.00 6/23/09 48.4 $0.053 1168 387.0 8.002 $24.48 6/29/09 48.4 $0.063 1536 368.0 7.62 $19.50 7/3/09 48.3 $0.053 2017 481.0 10.023 $25.35 7/9/09 48.0 $0.053 2407 390.0 8.264 $20.16 7/16/09 47.2 $0.052 2608 201.0 4.483 $10.17 7/17/09 44.8 $0.051 3043 435.0 9.155 $21.41 7/24/09 47.5 $0.049 3238 195.0 4.087 $9.80 7/25/09 47.7 $0.050 3678 440.0 9.305 $23.25 7/29/09 47.3 $0.053 4095 417.0 8.778 $21.94 8/3/09 47.5 $0.053 4511 416.0 8.407 $21.85 8/7/09 49.5 $0.053 4910 399.0 8.578 $22.29 8/10/09 46.5 $0.056 5110 200.0 4.24 $10.21 8/15/09 47.2 $0.051 5522 412.0 8.698 $22.61 8/21/09 47.4 $0.055 Last edited by wjterry; 08-21-2009 at 11:52 AM. Reason: additional info

08-21-2009, 08:57 AM	#3
dmvp Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Outskirts of Chicago Posts: 248 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: No Package Thanks: 46 Thanked 31 Times in 27 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How do you do it??? One mistake I made with my new Prius, was trying to go slow from stops and then holding speed once I made it to the speed limit. I got low mpg this way. After reading a lot on this forum, I learned that it it better to get past the speed limit quickly from stop, and then let off of the accelerator slightly. This increases your mpg (you'll see the bar shoot up quickly) significantly. When you start to slow down a bit, give it some more gas and then let off a little. Not sure if this is pure "pulse and glide", but I find it works very well for me, and I'm averaging about 56 mpg with everyday driving. __________________ Denise __________________________________ 2010 Prius IV Sandy Beach Metallic

08-21-2009, 09:48 AM	#4
a64pilot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Albany Ga. Posts: 732 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: N/A Thanks: 19 Thanked 45 Times in 40 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How do you do it??? Best advice I've heard is to "drive as if your brakes didn't work". Refers to conservation of momentum. I get in the mid 60's by driving the speed limit and "gliding" or coasting as much as possible. Try to cost as much as traffic and time will allow up to every stop, use the brakes as little as possible. I never use the power section of the HSI, but I live in mostly a rural area, and have not gotten on the interstate yet either. I rather enjoy taking two lane roads where the traffic is less and taking my time driving the speed limit and enjoying the scenery. It's relaxing, and I enjoy the Prius that way.

08-21-2009, 09:52 AM	#5
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,231 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	Re: How do you do it??? What speed do you drive on the interstate? I'm sure that's what's killing you. And if you can slow down a little on the 2-lane that would help too. As suggested, check the stickies in the Fuel Economy forum for a ton of tips and explaination of why YMMV.

08-21-2009, 09:58 AM	#6
radioprius1 Dr Curious Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 472 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: II Package: No Package Thanks: 126 Thanked 44 Times in 32 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How do you do it??? Here are two graphics to help you. The first made all the difference to me. Basically when accelerating from a stop I keep my bar in that "pulse" zone. And once I reach my speed I let off the gas and keep the bar in the "glide" zone (although I go out of the glide zone, but still not past the halfway bar). Also like everyone said, drive like you don't have breaks. If you know you are going to be coming to a stop in a 1/4 mile, let off the gas and coast to the stop. Why speed to the stop then slam on your breaks? Same if you are exiting the interstate, etc. Once you get used to driving like that you'll see how poorly/inefficiently everyone around you drives! Attached Thumbnails

08-21-2009, 10:01 AM	#7
hyo silver awaaay Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,726 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: Base Thanks: 47 Thanked 152 Times in 107 Posts Friends: 63	As reported in many threads, tire pressure can make a big difference. Try at least 42/40.

08-21-2009, 10:31 AM	#9
clo2guy Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: atlanta Posts: 3 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: I Package: Base Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How do you do it??? Just be patient and have fun experimenting with your driving habits over time. For me, getting better mileage has been intuituive rather than toughtful. Last summer we took our then new prius from atlanta to chicago and averaged about 45 mpg over the 1400 mile round trip. This summer we made the same trip and averaged very close to 50 mpg. Couldn't tell you what we did differently... Average speed probably about 75 mph on both occassions - sorry y'all, over the years I've adopted Atlanta's drive fast or get crushed mindset. Totally agree that anticipation is the most important means of maximizing fuel economy. When you see the light up ahead turn red, lay of the gas.

08-21-2009, 11:36 AM	#10
Glider Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Memphis Posts: 135 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Navigation Thanks: 23 Thanked 26 Times in 11 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How do you do it??? To give yourself confidence that you can get over 60 MPG, try this - - put in in cruise control at 55 mph then reset Trip A or B, and drive at least 10 mi and write down your ave MPG from the MID - turn around and drive the same section of road the same way - average your two readings, if not over 60 MPG something may be wrong with the car You'll also need these conditions while you are doing the test: tires at least sidewall max pressure A/C at 78 degrees (not so bad) ECO mode Once in cruise, if you have to hit brakes, change speed or get out of cruise becasue of traffic, etc. forget the run and try again when you have time. Good luck and let us know if you beat 60 MPG - g __________________ my Prius !