Mileage

[maggieddd]

OK guys. Here is my situation. I have a 100 mile commute to work round trip. I go to Providence, RI from Boston, MA via I-95S, A/C set to 79 degrees (I don't like it too cold, my small bones would freeze if it was less than that). I am getting about 57.5mpg average on my first tank of gas, that's 538 miles driven. I had 58.2mpg on Friday when I came back from work, but running some short trips in a city yesterday, dropped it to 57.5mpg. I go no faster than 65mph, once in a while I'll get to 70. Most of the time I go about 60mph. I used to go 90mph in my Corolla, and just figured out that it doesn't really make a huge difference, maybe 10min max time difference. I really work hard on driving the car though (makes my time go faster since I am watching the screen constantly). Anyway, I don't seem to be able to beat 58.2mpg. What else can I try? I seem to loose a lot when I get down to like 54mph and try to get back to 65mph. Everyone passes by me and I try to keep up with them and I have a hill ahead and then my mpg drops to almost a single digit. Anything else I can try? I am not complaining about my mileage, just curious if I can do better.

Thanks,
Maggie

[vande23]

I am guessing that you are exceeding the average for everyone else quite a bit. Not much else to suggest to you other than the average stuff in other posts out there... (air pressure in tires, etc).

[silentak1]

58.2mpg is very very good.... I can't seem to beat 49.4mpg here in California.

[Tideland Prius]

I haven't broken 55mpg. I came close at 54.7mpg on my last tank. I guess wait til the break-in period is over and you'll break 60.

[Godiva]

You're doing extremely well considering your car is so new.

Remember, there is a break in period. Not just for "learning" how to drive the car but also physically for the car. My mileage went up by about 5 mpg around the fourth or fifth tank. I'm hoping it will go up again after my first oil change and again a little after I put 5,000 miles on the car.

I wouldn't worry. You are doing VERY well. Don't expect to best or even meet the EPA. Very few do.

[efusco]

Well, I guess it depends upon how badly you want to get it higher. You're doing about as well as can be expected for OEM set-up.

You didn't mention tire pressure, if not at 42f/40r you could pump them up to that for a slight improvement...watch the pressure closely in any case as they will change with time and temp.

Maintain "dead-band" acceleration when you're getting back up to speed...that is no arrows to or from the battery.

Shed any excess weight in the vehicle. Maybe leave the tonteau cover and hidden area cover and cargo mat at home, any other nick nacks that aren't essential too.

Dropping speed further will help too, of course, but don't become an obstruction.

You can try drafting if you feel you can do it safely...no closer than 2 seconds behind a big rig will give you a measureable gain.

If you wanna get really 'sick' about mileage you can remove the side-view mirrors, the antenna, pump up tire pressures in excess of safe levels, add addtional battery capacity, go to 0W20 oil....etc.

[9G-man]

If you are REALLY serious you could strip your interior of seats, door panels and carpet, replace the side and rear windows with Plexiglass and buy The TORNADO (intake air vortex generator). :wink:

Seriously, sounds like you are already averaging better MPG than many.
Outstanding!

[maggieddd]

thanks a lot, I guess I am not going to go too crazy. I'll leave my antenna and side view mirrors. My tire pressure is 33 front 35 rear. I guess I could add more to the tires. Is "dead-band" when you have no arrows at all?
Also, it just told me to add fuel, I've got 560 miles on this tank. I got a 50 mile commute tomorrow, should I try to see if I can make it on this tank or should I not?

[efusco]

Tire pressures should be 35 front, 33 rear. It's obviously up to you, but I strongly encourage you to try out at least 40f/38r if not up to 44f/42r.

I guess if you've got lots of close together gas stations you could try for the 50 miles...or if you can carry some gas with you. But if you're going to be in the middle-of-no where I'd tank up today.

[maggieddd]

sorry, I meant 35f/33r. I do have some gas stations on my way tomorrow, maybe I should push it for another 25 miles at least. Did anyone try how much you can do approx. from the moment it starts blinking?

Also, what's that "dead band"? Is it when you have no arrows at all?