Avg 40.1 MPG.. How do I increase that?

[Duonger25]

newbie here..

Bought our Prius this past March and have loved it. But as I read this forum, I see people avg 45+ MPH. My wife and I are averaging only 40.1, so how can we increase this?

Thanks
D

[chinoloco93]

Drive Slower.
I average 55 mph on the freeways and the speed limit on the local streets. If you do not accelerate with a lead foot, you should get more then the EPA estimates. My wife and I average about 52 miles per gallon.

[JimboK]

Read this for starters.

Welcome to PriusChat and Prius-dom!

[dwdean]

After you've read the good Dr. Fusco's advice in the sticky that JimboK pointed you to, try the rest of the Fuel Economy forum. But really do start with that sticky and the link it contains.

Welcome and have fun!

[Prius 07]

Originally Posted by Duonger25

newbie here..

Bought our Prius this past March and have loved it. But as I read this forum, I see people avg 45+ MPH. My wife and I are averaging only 40.1, so how can we increase this?

Thanks
D

Hi and welcome to PC! Can you give details about the length of your trips and type of driving (city; HWY)?

[richard schumacher]

Drive slower.

Check tire pressures at least monthly.

Accelerate briskly (this makes most efficient use of the engine).
Gliding (no arrows on the "Energy" display) is better than coasting.
Coasting is better than braking.
Braking is better than coming to a complete stop.

Increase tire pressure. Anything up to the value molded into the side of each tire is safe. Many of us run the original tires at 42/40 PSI front/rear, which helps noticeably.

[PriusSport]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

Drive slower.

Check tire pressures at least monthly.

Accelerate briskly (this makes most efficient use of the engine).
Gliding (no arrows on the "Energy" display) is better than coasting.
Coasting is better than braking.
Braking is better than coming to a complete stop.

Increase tire pressure. Anything up to the value molded into the side of each tire is safe. Many of us run the original tires at 42/40 PSI front/rear, which helps noticeably.

The 08 specs say a tire pressure of 35/33 PSI. I picked up my new Prius yesterday, and don't know what pressure the prep mechanic set. The first 50 miles on the car last night in mixed driving, I got 48 mpg average. Drives like a dream. Smooth and quiet. Power like a V6.

Can somebody tell me how to turn on the rear wiper (vs the front ones) on the stick? Had trouble in the rain last night in the dark turning on the rear wiper.

[N3FOL]

+1 on the link posted here. Our average mpg should be in the 50's...just like this morning headed to work I averaged 59.4 mpg.

[dwdean]

Originally Posted by PriusSport

Can somebody tell me how to turn on the rear wiper (vs the front ones) on the stick? Had trouble in the rain last night in the dark turning on the rear wiper.

See the manual for complete details, but the quick answer is that on the wiper stalk there's a "ring" that controls the rear-wiper. The end of the stalk controls the front wipers, etc.

[richard schumacher]

Originally Posted by PriusSport

The 08 specs say a tire pressure of 35/33 PSI.

That's Toyota's compromise between fuel economy and comfort. Higher pressure does improve fuel economy and is safe (up to the tire rating, anyway), but gives a harder ride and stiffer handling.