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Miles Per Gallon Dropping_California

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Ramon E, Nov 27, 2018.

  1. Ramon E

    Ramon E New Member

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    Location:
    Visalia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Team,

    So I bought my 2010 Toyota Prius 3 back in March of 2018 with 80k miles, now has 105k. I had nothing but good look with the car with no mechanical issues whatsoever. I just had the car service at 100k, changing out the spark plugs, CVT transmission fluid (Toyota Genuine Oil), PCV Valve, Radiator coolant fluid, Inverter fluid, cabin air filter, and Engine Air Filter. My car is NOT burning any oil, tires are not under inflated, have good thread on them, and no check engine lights are ON. I did notice a decrease in the MPG just at the beginning of November. On average I was getting 44.2MPG and now I am down to 39.8 with the same driving habits and always pumping gas at Costco which uses Top Tier gas here in California. Your thought and recommendations are highly encourage and accepted.
     
    #1 Ramon E, Nov 27, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    How’s the 12 v battery health?

    What psi are the tires inflated to?

    Does the hv battery cycle quickly?
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Nov 27, 2018
  3. Ramon E

    Ramon E New Member

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    2010 Prius
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    III
    Ray,

    I ran the battery health check using the radio and light switch method, and my reading was 11.4v. I went a step further and checked the voltage on the actual battery located in the rear hatch compartment using a digital multi meter and got 12.18 voltage reading.

    Tire PSI: 35lbs all 4 tires

    The HV battery cycles quickly only the morning when I am warming up the car before I drive to work.
     
    #3 Ramon E, Nov 27, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  4. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    So far, this sounds like simply winter gas, winter temperatures & weather, and reduced tire pressures in those lower temperatures. That tire pressure is easily fixed now, the others are simply a fact of life for the next several months.

    Do explore this questionnaire, but it isn't yet clear that this shift represents any other problem than winter:
    Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat

    Your original MPG is low, but that might be simply a matter of your average speed:
    Updated MPG vs MPH chart | PriusChat
     
    #4 fuzzy1, Nov 27, 2018
    Threej likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    winter, normal
     
    #5 bisco, Nov 27, 2018
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  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Welcome to the winter gas switchover.... things will go back to normal come april or so....
     
    #6 KK6PD, Nov 27, 2018
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Not sure about ya'l but I'm still getting low 60s and high 50 mpgs with lower grill fully blocked.
     
    #7 Grit, Nov 27, 2018
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Prime Plus
    Here’s what I got going down to Palm Desert over the weekend:

    AA1B03CF-DDAD-48CE-BBEA-FD9DAAB01588.jpeg

    Not too bad for fully loaded with 2 adults and 2 kids :).

    192 k miles and going strong;).

    We won’t ask @grid his average speed as I know it’s sloooooooooow(y).
     
    #8 Raytheeagle, Nov 27, 2018
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  9. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Dam, your prius is still going on strong (y)

    Well my avg mph has changed, just switched to a new job and now avg mph is 55 mph. New work is an hour away south east, gonna be piling on the miles again. 100 miles round trip, still 60mpg average because speed limit is 55.
     
    #9 Grit, Nov 27, 2018
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  10. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    You ought to be glad you don't have to deal with the bladder in the gas tank like the Gen 2 had, it made winter even worse.
     
    #10 padroo, Nov 27, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  11. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Where’s the new job at:whistle:?

    Does that mean you’re moving again:cool:?

    Ah the life of a bachelor(y).
     
    #11 Raytheeagle, Nov 27, 2018
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  12. Ramon E

    Ramon E New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Team Prius,

    Thank you all for providing me great inputs and recommendations. I am going to fill up my tank tomorrow with Chevron and see if that makes a difference. I am commute 105 miles a day to work and back each day. I live in Visalia, CA and work in Fresno, CA so my average speed on HWY 99 is between 72-77 MPH, so I drive a lot faster than my folks who live in the city. Like I said I am quite please with my used old car, since my son didn't like it. My fiances 2017 Toyota Prius hasnt been affected by the winter blend switch over and she drives 30 minutes to work on average speed of 60-65MPH. Her average MPG is between 48-50 which is super amazing.
     
    #12 Ramon E, Nov 28, 2018
  13. VFerdman

    VFerdman Senior Member

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    Winter season brings lower fuel economy to Prius owners. Also, quit warming up the car. Just get in and drive. It will do its own warm-up routine. It's not your grandfather's Oldsmobile :) Your economy will improve, I think just from that one change. Also, get the tires closer to 40PSI.

    Enjoy the car!
     
    #13 VFerdman, Nov 28, 2018
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