25% Improvment in MPG....Thank You!

[j24816]

Have had my Prius for a month, at beginning MFD consistantly in low 40's. After reading (studying?) the tips posted at PriusChat MFD milage is now in low 50's, a 25% improvement. My MFD estimates are spot-on with actuals (99.7% of measured milage).

The big hitters for me:
1) Changed route to work. Previous route was loaded with stop signs, usually backed up 4-5 deep leading to multiple starts from a dead stop. Current route, while not a bargain with 35 red lights and 14 stop signs over 9 grueling miles (~30 minute commute), greatly reduced the number of short stops.

2) I allow significant space between me and car in front, reducing the amount of braking I have to do. Also, generally travel slower.

3) If no-one is behind me, on a downhill stop sign, I let gravity get me going. This seems somewhat extreme to me, but I suspect in this crowd I am safe.

4) I think twice before taking a short trip, and delay the trip if not truely needed.

I would not have suspected a car could have such impact of behavior.

Thank you to all who have shared their knowledge, it is much appreciated....

[Bill Lumbergh]

No, no.....thank YOU for practicing good fuel management. As long as your techniques don't obstruct traffic, you're doing everyone a favor.

I've been known to watch my rear view mirror as much as the road in front of me. When I notice no one behind me, I'll coast for up to a quarter mile, gradually losing speed, as I approach a stop sign or red light.

[highroute]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(j24816 @ Apr 27 2006, 07:05 PM) [snapback]246415[/snapback]</div>

4) I think twice before taking a short trip, and delay the trip if not truely needed.
[/b]

Wisdom! Ultimately, it's not about miles per gallon; it's about gallons. Maybe delay the trip, maybe combine that trip with another trip ...

[j24816]

arggg......I misspelled truly. I hope my daughter does not see this!

[tripp]

Given the craziness of your commute with all of its stops and starts you might consider the EV mode switch (comes in a variety of types with different costs and levels of difficulty to install). It MIGHT help you improve your MPG a little more, plus its loads of fun.

If yer interested just use PC's search feature and you'll find a pile of threads.

[hdrygas]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(j24816 @ Apr 27 2006, 07:05 PM) [snapback]246415[/snapback]</div>

Have had my Prius for a month, at beginning MFD consistantly in low 40's. After reading (studying?) the tips posted at PriusChat MFD milage is now in low 50's, a 25% improvement. My MFD estimates are spot-on with actuals (99.7% of measured milage).

The big hitters for me:
1) Changed route to work. Previous route was loaded with stop signs, usually backed up 4-5 deep leading to multiple starts from a dead stop. Current route, while not a bargain with 35 red lights and 14 stop signs over 9 grueling miles (~30 minute commute), greatly reduced the number of short stops.

2) I allow significant space between me and car in front, reducing the amount of braking I have to do. Also, generally travel slower.

3) If no-one is behind me, on a downhill stop sign, I let gravity get me going. This seems somewhat extreme to me, but I suspect in this crowd I am safe.

4) I think twice before taking a short trip, and delay the trip if not truely needed.

I would not have suspected a car could have such impact of behavior.

Thank you to all who have shared their knowledge, it is much appreciated....
[/b]

OK I did the same thing... in Spades. I actually researched the topographical change on maps! Yes I am sick. I have now 2 stop signs and 6 stop lights. I can usually cruse through at least 2 or 3 of the stop lights. Gradual up and down hills a great to work and only a few tenths of a mile greater than the usual route that involves 2-3 miles at 50 mph. Makes a big difference.

[richard schumacher]

Note that if your new route is a sufficiently greater distance you may be using more gasoline in total even though the MPG figure is better:

6 miles @ 40 MPG burns 0.16 gallon
9 miles @ 50 MPG burns 0.18 gallon

[ghostofjk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(j24816 @ Apr 27 2006, 07:56 PM) [snapback]246439[/snapback]</div>

arggg......I misspelled truly. I hope my daughter does not see this!
[/b]

NOW you've misspelled "arggh"--there's an "h". :P

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(j24816 @ Apr 27 2006, 07:05 PM) [snapback]246415[/snapback]</div>

Current route, while not a bargain with 35 red lights and 14 stop signs over 9 grueling miles (~30 minute commute), greatly reduced the number of short stops.
[/b]

Let me be sure I've got this right. You now have 49 lights or stop signs---in 9 miles---an average of 5.5 per mile---and this is an IMPROVEMENT over your old route?

Yumpin' Yiminy.

[hobbit]

When waiting for people ahead of you to pass through a stop sign,
you certainly don't have to punch it hard enough to light the
engine. Just drift up on electric, and wait till you can get a
"good burn" for best efficiency afterward...
.
_H*

[daniel]

Since moving to Spokane I almost never take the freeway. I get significantly better mpg on the surface roads, and it's almost always shorter. All I need to do is allow a bit more time.