mileage tips under challenging circumstances

IMHO, you should definitely try all the free suggestions and block the grille when the weather's cold (like now) since that's really cheap.

I don't know how much variance there can be in your trips, but if any is possible, per Beating the EPA - The Why’s and How to Hypermile - CleanMPG Forums (and many other guides)

 

Look at the PC thread ... MAX MPG driving tips video .... excellent, and most drivers will learn something that will enable them to achieve better mileage.

 

Wow - 37 MPG is really low. I'd give it another month or so to see if you mileage changes at all, and if not, might have the dealer look at the car (>>>or ask to borrow a dealer Prius for a couple of days to see if it gets the same mileage, or something better<<<).

Even when I drive around on a series of quick trips in the middle of winter, I get 48+ MPG so I don't really buy the "too many short trips" story. My car warms up to operating temperature within a 1/2 mile or so. I find it hard to believe that it is issue.

I'd suggest a few tips - tire pressure at 42-45 PSI, driving tips for getting more out of the traction battery, etc, however - those types of things take my short trip mileage from 48 MPG to 60+, so I'm not sure that is what you are looking at.

I'd take the attitude - it's just not my fault - and put it back on the dealer to either prove your habits will only get 37 MPG, or there is something wrong with the car.

 

OP: When I have some more time, I might be able to show you my ScanGauge in operation in my Gen II since I don't live THAT far from you, if you're curious.

Unfortunately, none of the XGauges from the Gen II work in the Gen III and it's a real pain to enter additional ones or clear out values from my solicited gauges, as a precaution (as I'd need to re-enter all of those again). Otherwise, I'd plug it into yours too...

 

I don't "skip" the warm up steps as that would not be possible without a temperature hack, but I extend the warm-up period by using my EV button. After starting up my prius it almost always takes 20-25 seconds until I'm allowed to use the button. This is coming from a cold start. The engine has to be around 110F before it will engage EV mode. I will accelerate to 30-33 and the put it into EV mode to glide. Rinse and repeat. Usually takes an extra 5 mins to get to S4 but I almost always get 50 mpg in the first 5 min block as opposed to 25mpg. This is during ambient temp of around 65F. There is no risk in damaging my engine, battery, etc is there?