1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

air pressure and mpg

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by feethanddooth, Dec 23, 2005.

  1. feethanddooth

    feethanddooth New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2005
    31
    0
    0
    Location:
    new jersey
    i am going to attempt to fill my tires up with some air today in feeling that they are low. i have never done it on my prius myself. anything i should do or not do? ive recently been getting much lower mpg and think this may be the cause
     
    #1 feethanddooth, Dec 23, 2005
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Nothing special. Consider using higher than recommended pressures...I use 42f/40r.

    Do be sure the tires are cold (let the car sit for 4 hours after driving) when you check the pressure and fill them up.
     
    #2 efusco, Dec 23, 2005
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2004
    7,663
    1,038
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    A reasonable MPG-enhancing compromise is to check tire pressures whenever daily average outdoor air temps change more than about 10'C/20'F. Buy a cheap tire gauge and check them at home before you start the day's driving.
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Dec 23, 2005
  4. GreenMachine

    GreenMachine New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2005
    760
    6
    0
    Location:
    Vermont, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III

    Richard, I was wondering why you said "cheap" tire gauge? I assume you think all gauges are accurate enough?
     
    #4 GreenMachine, Dec 23, 2005
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2005
    9,810
    465
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    i feel the same way as greenmachine.

    use a good gauge. there's a substantial error margin in the cheapies.
     
    #5 galaxee, Dec 23, 2005
  6. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2004
    3,650
    6
    0
    Location:
    Olympia Wa
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Nice new atvar did you get it from "What the #$*! Do We (K)now!?" ? Quantum Mechanics and Neurobiology. Just hold on to your wallet.
     
    #6 hdrygas, Dec 24, 2005
  7. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2005
    9,810
    465
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    thanks. and nope, it's just a plain old cell image, nothing exciting. not to my credit, i don't do that kind of work at this time. well maybe i will be when i change labs for the 6th time, who knows. ahh, i'm taking a vacation first before worrying about these things.
     
    #7 galaxee, Dec 24, 2005
  8. cdavid

    cdavid Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2005
    142
    1
    0
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Get one of those inexpensive digial ones. Sears had the Accutire gauge on sale for $7.49. Accurate to 0.5psi, self calibrates, lifetime warranty. They are still accurate if you drop it. Just about any mechanical gauge at more substantial prices are less accurate, very inaccurate if you drop it or jostle it, are more difficult to read the scale with any precision.

    There was a big test in a motorcycle magazine not too long ago of about 20 gauges. Conclusion, digital ones are better, Acutire was best value.
     
    #8 cdavid, Dec 24, 2005
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)