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Gas mileage better with full tank!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Rickkiboi, May 4, 2023.

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  1. Rickkiboi

    Rickkiboi Junior Member

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    I have a 3rd Gen , 217k miles (9k on rebuild), original hybrid batt that’s tests fine, running 215/45/17s.

    I get relatively good gas mileage on a full tank, about 52mpg. However after about 40 miles of driving, gas mileage drops down to 39mpg.

    This started before the rebuild around 207k miles.

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Book Cover Judge

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    What was the rebuild about?
     
  3. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Who cares what that display says.
    The real deal is what a paper and pencil says at fill ups.
     
    ukulelegeek likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it could be that when the tank is full, the pump struggles to push enough fuel, but once a little gasoline is replaced with air, better suction is accomplished
     
  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I full tank on uphill driving and it get horrible mpgs. Half tank on the way back gets me twice the mpgs. Not sure why but I got the opposite result from yours
     
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  6. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Just to point out the obvious, you have a Level 5. I have one also, but those wheels and tires are never going to get you
    'Typical Prius fuel economy'.

    That's why I sold my 17" wheel set and now use standard 15" wheels and tires.
    I immediately saw a decent improvement! And the ride is quieter and less 'jarring'.
    It's weird how the Level 5's didn't have their own EPA numbers. They were definitely less efficient.
     
  7. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Five
    Just to point out the obvious, you have a Level 5. I have one also, but those 17" wheels and tires are never going to get you
    'Typical Prius fuel economy'.
    They look nice and the handling is quicker/better! I believe it also has a quicker ratio steering rack.

    That's why I sold my 17" wheel set and now use standard 15" wheels and tires.
    I immediately saw a decent improvement! And the ride is quieter and less 'jarring'.
    It's weird how the Level 5's didn't have their own EPA numbers. They were definitely less efficient.
     
    ukulelegeek likes this.