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San Diego Newbie

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by TominCarlsbad, Mar 25, 2008.

  1. TominCarlsbad

    TominCarlsbad Tom - proud owner of 'Pri'

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Carlsbad, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Hi Fellow Prius-phytes!

    Just bought my metalic grey Prius...

    the very first tank I ran out of gas, and went about a 1/4 of a mile until I hit the gas station (on the battery only)

    Any ideas on this....should I go into the dealer and have the battery checked out?

    So far I love it....
    [​IMG]
    although the dark color seems to keep the interior hot (and it's been fairly cool since I owned it with the exception of this last weekend.

    Tips on getting the best gas milage? I heard about 'surging' from a guy at work......?

    Enjoying my commute....(and saving gas of course!)
     
    #1 TominCarlsbad, Mar 25, 2008
  2. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    You're probably OK as long as the dash didn't light up like a Christmas tree. But don't make a habit of it.

    When you're down to one blip fill up. When it starts flashing FILL UP.

    Read up on pulse and glide here on the forum.
     
    #2 Godiva, Mar 25, 2008
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    The Prius is not an electric car. If you make a habit of driving it after running out of gas you will eventually kill the traction battery, and you will not get it replaced under warranty.

    If the last pip on the gas gauge starts flashing you must buy gas immediately; because of the fuel tank bladder it is not possible to estimate how much gas might still be in the tank at that point. A prudent driver will buy gas before the gauge gets that low.
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Mar 25, 2008
  4. TominCarlsbad

    TominCarlsbad Tom - proud owner of 'Pri'

    Joined:
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    thanks for the info Godiva....

    Yeah it was my first tank, and I read that it holds 11.9 gallons... since my mileage said that I was getting 48 mpg...i figured I had another .50 gallon at least.....
    Richard,
    I learned a good lesson! I only drove it only about 1/2 mile on the battery, and slowly at that....(I coasted a long way first!). I am getting used to the car, and will be more 'prudent' in the future!

    Thanks for the info! good to know!
     
    #4 TominCarlsbad, Mar 26, 2008
  5. spf

    spf Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Hey TominCarlsbad,
    This is Stan in Stan Diego.....I just bought a 2007 used Prius from my dad (41,000 miles) and my display is showing I'm getting overall around 45mpg, give or take. However, I've filled up twice and my manual calculations show that I'm only averaging around 40mpg. I can't understand why there would be this discrepancy. Just curious as to what you're getting on the computer and in "real life."

    Regards,



     
    #5 spf, Mar 26, 2008
  6. TominCarlsbad

    TominCarlsbad Tom - proud owner of 'Pri'

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    I will have to check that out Stan....

    Filling up tomorrow and I'll let you know....

    I WILL fill up before it starts to bliink at me@!:eek:
     
    #6 TominCarlsbad, Mar 26, 2008
  7. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Tom and Stan, welcome to PriusChat, remember that the fuel tank contains a rubber bladder that actually contains the gasoline. Full is really hard to determine in a Prius, so if you fill it up, drive some miles, and fill it up again, you don't know what your real fuel use is. Over six months or so your calculated and MFD fuel efficiency will converge, usually with the MFD a little higher. The MFD calculation is based on milliseconds the injectors are open times fuel line pressure, for volume, divided by wheel revolutions, for distance. The biggest variable is the wheel size.

    Just remember what your mpg was in your previous car...
     
    #7 Bill Merchant, Mar 27, 2008
  8. TominCarlsbad

    TominCarlsbad Tom - proud owner of 'Pri'

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    Thanks Bill,

    That makes sense.....

    I just filled up today...went 478 miles...took 10 gallons....

    At 3.44 per gallon, it was by far the cheapest 468 miles I have traveled. (excluding my tri-bike-but my wife would argue with you....the bike cost $2000 + MY fuel! LOL)
     
    #8 TominCarlsbad, Mar 27, 2008
  9. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    seriously a sticky should be posted, DONT RUN OUT OF GAS, one pip - run to the gas station.


    i fill up at 2 pips to be safe, plus lessen load on fuel pump
     
    #9 statultra, Mar 27, 2008
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