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What is the break-in period for a Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by bullet875, Apr 30, 2013.

  1. bullet875

    bullet875 Junior Member

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    What is the break-in period for the Prius? I bought a 2013 black Prius Persona 2 weeks ago and I'm getting 14+ MPG than my 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. However, I want MORE!!! lol IS there a period of time after which can expect a change in MPG, either better or less, perhaps 10K miles or so? Should MPG go up or down usually after break-in?
     
  2. Spaz

    Spaz Junior Member

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    I never noticed any jump and I don't think you really have to break in any new cars...personally I'm easy on new cars because I feel I need a break in period when I'm driving a new car just to get used to it. As far as improving mileage, try looking up hypermiling and different driving techniques. Learning how to drive efficiently is like learning how to drive all over again
     
  3. Ardentity

    Ardentity Junior Member

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    Congratulations on your new Prius! My Prius is barely a month old, but what I've read, MPG usually improves after break-in. However, big disclaimer is that your results may vary.

    Regarding the actual break-in period, Toyota says is 600 miles.

    From page 151 of the 2010 Prius Owner's Manual:
    Breaking in your new Toyota
    To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended to observe:
    For the first 200 miles (300 km):
    • Avoid sudden stops.
    For the first 600 miles (1000 km):
    • Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
    • Avoid sudden acceleration.
    • Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

    Read more: http://priuschat.com/wiki/break-in-period/#ixzz2RzvGGqPf
     
  4. SalixIncendium

    SalixIncendium Tree Hugging Environmentalist Wacko

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    Recommended break-in period is in the owner's manual. IIRC, it's 600 miles with no sudden or intense braking for 250 miles.

    My MPG increased marginally after the break-in period. I don't have an accurate number for you as my increase was skewed by changes in driving style and mode.
     
  5. SalixIncendium

    SalixIncendium Tree Hugging Environmentalist Wacko

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    Right. Ignore the owner's manual. It's wrong. These car designers and manufacturers have no idea what they're talking about.
     
  6. bullet875

    bullet875 Junior Member

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    I just hit 987 miles and my MPG went down .1 MPG...lol. Unfortunately, I drive 28 miles on the Garden State Parkway to and from work (35 miles each way total) and the area where I drive has a lot of little hills...as much as I'd like to get 50+ MPG, I think that 45MPG may be the best that I can expect...especially since I have to jackrabbit off of stop lights and sometimes drive at over 75 MPH because I have some yahoo in a huge truck followng my butt and flashing his lights.

    I'm glad to be back in the Prius family!
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    gspw is a wild and wooly ride!:eek:
     
  8. outhouse

    outhouse Member

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    There is a definite break in on prius. But not really required beyond driving normal.

    My prius C after 200 miles was getting almost 10 mpg better, then at 2000 it picked up another 1-2 getting me close to 50 on average for my driving habits.


    If you read the older books they do speak of two different break ins before you notice your best mileage. what 2000 and 12000?


    These are Atkinson cycle motors running lower rpm and I noticed my rings seating the first tank on the C, on the regular prius I didn't notice anything and there was no seating of anything noticeable.


    I do know driving habits are key, but the tires do need to be scrubbed in a bit for best fuel economy, and it doesn't hurt to put a few thousand miles on them before even looking at MPG

    PLUS OP has the persona, [like me] with the bigger rims and tires, you may only get upper 40's at best.


    OP, reset your trip meter. I use "A" for fill ups so I know what im getting. then "B" for different trips to keep checking on how its doing. Right now your typical
     
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  9. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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  10. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    What's the break in period for a Prius? The time it takes to be broke-in (broken). :)
     
  11. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    Time needed for you to get acquainted with your Prius, adjust to a style that best compliments both you and the car, know how different environments and weather affects your mpg, etc is what will have a much greater impact on your FE. I'm not sure if I buy into the notion that a break-in period would lead to better mpg.
     
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  12. Spaz

    Spaz Junior Member

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    I was speaking to fuel economy...if you saw a massive jump after your car " broke in" congrats, but you are the first I've hear noticing. And btw, I dont have to ignor owners manuals, just pompous asses such as yourself...K, thanks, bye.
     
  13. SalixIncendium

    SalixIncendium Tree Hugging Environmentalist Wacko

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    [​IMG]
     
  14. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    To me, the better question is how long does it take the Prius to break-in the driver? (at the end of the break-in period, the driver should have mastered optimized Prius mpg driving. At which point, why would you return to inefficient driving?)
     
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  15. Kengatorfan

    Kengatorfan Junior Member

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    I know scarcasm when I read it
     
  16. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    So many don't, so a new word has been invented.

    Sarchasm: the gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the recipient who doesn't get it.
     
  17. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Wow, all sarcasm aside...

    Breaking in a vehicle (machine) is done to give the moving parts a chance to mate up, temper and cut in, so to speak. This also gives argument to some early fluid changes as well. Though most modern cars and their engines are manufactured and machined to higher standards than past, initial "run in" is still necessary to enhance the likelihood of a longer healthier life cycle, all other variables being equal. A gradual but slight increase in MPG may occur during this period if done correctly, however the reverse is usually true to vehicles that are initially abused such as rentals. Very respectfully speaking, like a Woman.

    Following Toyota's recommendation (this time) would be wise as it reflects known industry standards and mechanics.
     
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  18. SalixIncendium

    SalixIncendium Tree Hugging Environmentalist Wacko

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    [​IMG]
     
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  19. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    You can only measure mileage by measuring miles driven divided by how much fuel was added to the tank since the last fill-up. So your first tank won't be accurate.

    What's more, Spring and Summer weather boost mileage. What's more, driving with the Hybrid System Display Indicator Display over time will help you increase mileage.
     
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  20. Prius Five Guy

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    I've never gotten beyond 43.1 mpg. I'm nearing 14k, purchase in Dec. 2012.
     
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