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Woohoo!!! Got her up to 50 mpg

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Elaine08, Dec 13, 2013.

  1. Elaine08

    Elaine08 Member

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    As a result of the fuel-saving tips provided by our resident Prius forum gurus, I aired up the tires (to a "conservative" 40/38), filled the tank with ethanol free gas, and followed the recommended fuel-saving driving tips. As a result, my '08 ("Elaine") went from 45.5 mpg to 50.6.

    Thanks y'all. :)
     
    #1 Elaine08, Dec 13, 2013
    Data Daedalus and insaner like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 13, 2013
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  3. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    Where do you live??? I have a 08 and this currant tank is at 24mpg. short trips and temps in the teens!!
     
    #3 magnumrtawd, Dec 14, 2013
  4. Elaine08

    Elaine08 Member

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    Gulf coast; but 24 mpg doesn't sound right for a Prius; from reading the forum it seems that if your mpg is not what it should be, check the tire pressure (some go with 42/40 psi), engine oil level, and 12v battery. Snow tires and non LRR tires can take a toll on mileage, as can a weak 12v battery and engine oil being overfull. And of course, short trips. (did I get that right, guys/gals?)
     
    #4 Elaine08, Dec 15, 2013
  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...hope you mean 42...I opened this thread just to see if Elaine08 lived in warmer area...sounds like yes. Good work though Elaine08.
     
    #5 wjtracy, Dec 15, 2013
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  6. Elaine08

    Elaine08 Member

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    Yes, sorry... didn't previously specify.... hurricane country/no snow. Perhaps some of that increase can also be attributed to driving while needing neither heat nor a/c ? Turned the heat on this week and it seems to have gone down about 1.5 mpg.
     
    #6 Elaine08, Dec 15, 2013
  7. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    Here we go. 2008 prius touring with 93,000 mi. It runs great.
    New 12 volt Batt. last week.. LRR tires at 42/40.. Fresh correct oil just below the full mark. K&N filter..Grill blocking in place. Pulse and glide used all the time. I drove about 35 mi. today and the mileage increased to 27 mpg.
    The best this car has done in the summer with no heat or A/C is 46 mpg. all city. But these short ( 4 mi. ) trips with temps in the teens are killing me. Oh, the car is kept in a garage at 40 to 50 degrees.
    This is about the same mileage as my wifes 2012 Camry XLE 4 cyl.
     
    #7 magnumrtawd, Dec 15, 2013
  8. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    You might want to consider an engine block heater. There is some discussion as to whether that will actually reduce your overall energy consumption, due to the kwH used in the heater. But running the car in such short urban trips in the cold is the limit case for low MPG. I would see if it improves after a complete warmup into stage 4.
     
    #8 nh7o, Dec 16, 2013
  9. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Good job to Elaine08
     
    #9 usnavystgc, Dec 16, 2013
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  10. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    Thats most of the problem. It never gets to stage four under 10 mi. And I discovered I cant get up my sons lightly snow covered driveway. I might as well drive the Camry. That way I can have heat,comfort and traction with the same milage.
     
    #10 magnumrtawd, Dec 16, 2013
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