Driving "blind"

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-03-2004, 09:45 PM

I normally have the Energy screen displayed so I can see where energy is coming from, the battery's SOC, and my current MPG. After each commute to and from work, I switch to the Consumption screen to check my average.

It was dark this evening, and the MFD just seemed unusually bright so for the first time ever I turned it off. Working on feel alone, I tried to figure out what state of hybrid operation it was in at every given moment.

I had a really good drive; when I got home, I turned on the Consumption screen and had and upped my average by 0.5 MPG. And since I'm on the second half of my tank with over 240 miles of averages behind me, I'll call it a success.

If you haven't tried driving "blind", I recommend it. One with the car you will become. And even if you're not tracking the MPG, turn the brightness of the speedometer way down; it's completely dark. I thought it was pretty cool.

**efusco** · 11-03-2004, 09:58 PM

"Reach out with your feelings....use the Force. Let it surround you and become one with it."
Obi Wan Kenobi

Batavier · 11-04-2004, 04:05 AM

Indeed, when it's dark and there are no street lights, I turn off the MFD as well and put the dash lighting on the lowest setting. Apart from the pretty sight of all the small lights of the buttons on the dash, it's also fun to try and still drive as economically as possible.

Driving that way reminds me of the Saab I drove a few months ago. Most Saabs have some sort of 'night vision' button. If you press it, only the speedo will be lighted and all other lights will be dimmed.

Now the Prius turns out to have the same possibilities...

Darn, I love this car! *grins*
:mrgreen:

11-03-2004, 09:45 PM	#1
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 7,618 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 13	Driving "blind" I normally have the Energy screen displayed so I can see where energy is coming from, the battery's SOC, and my current MPG. After each commute to and from work, I switch to the Consumption screen to check my average. It was dark this evening, and the MFD just seemed unusually bright so for the first time ever I turned it off. Working on feel alone, I tried to figure out what state of hybrid operation it was in at every given moment. I had a really good drive; when I got home, I turned on the Consumption screen and had and upped my average by 0.5 MPG. And since I'm on the second half of my tank with over 240 miles of averages behind me, I'll call it a success. If you haven't tried driving "blind", I recommend it. One with the car you will become. And even if you're not tracking the MPG, turn the brightness of the speedometer way down; it's completely dark. I thought it was pretty cool. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness >>Current Mileage<< Spreading information and passing gas in the Greater Chicagoland area

11-04-2004, 04:05 AM	#3
Batavier Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 431 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Indeed, when it's dark and there are no street lights, I turn off the MFD as well and put the dash lighting on the lowest setting. Apart from the pretty sight of all the small lights of the buttons on the dash, it's also fun to try and still drive as economically as possible. Driving that way reminds me of the Saab I drove a few months ago. Most Saabs have some sort of 'night vision' button. If you press it, only the speedo will be lighted and all other lights will be dimmed. Now the Prius turns out to have the same possibilities... Darn, I love this car! grins :mrgreen: __________________ Proud driver of the lovely ''Preto Prius''

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11-03-2004, 09:58 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 12,828 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 20	"Reach out with your feelings....use the Force. Let it surround you and become one with it." Obi Wan Kenobi