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mileage

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by vemvim, Jan 6, 2008.

  1. vemvim

    vemvim Junior Member

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    I would like to know if anyone has noticed a drop in mileage. I used to get between 50 and 55 miles in the summer months and between 45 and 50 in the colder months. This winter (I live in northeast Ohio) the mileage has dropped to between 40 and 44 mpg. Incidentally, I always get better mileage on the highway contrary to what Toyota claims. Also I wonder if anyone can tell me how you can tell the starting battery is getting weak, since there is no sound when the car starts.

    Vemvim
     
    #1 vemvim, Jan 6, 2008
  2. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    check your tire presure!
     
    #2 Flying White Dutchman, Jan 6, 2008
  3. Neicy

    Neicy Member

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    Tire pressure increase, engine block heater, and grill block will help. But my question is, is there anybody who does NOT see a mileage decrease in winter? (not including anyone living in a tropical zone, that is)
     
    #3 Neicy, Jan 6, 2008
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Changes in fuel blends also have an effect.

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Jan 6, 2008
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Consider the correlation between temperature and mileage.

    Click the "Current Mileage" link in my signature.
     
    #5 TonyPSchaefer, Jan 7, 2008
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Well, because the original poster didn't notice as great a mileage drop in previous years, I suspect this greater mileage drop is due to the addition of ethyl alcohol to the fuel, which your govt. has mandated to start this winter. I calculate the drop should be 2-3 MPG with 10% ethyl alcohol added, and that's close to what is reported above.

    That's the downside of "ethanol fuel". The upside is the engine internals will be cleaner, as it burns much cleaner. I doubt it will have a huge effect on your economy, as you already spend way more than the difference on the wars you fight for oil. Too bad my current govt. has a "me too" attitude!
     
    #6 David Beale, Jan 7, 2008
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    It's not Toyota that claims that, it's the US Government. Car manufactures in the U.S.A. are required to report EPA estimates and only EPA estimates.

    Tom
     
    #7 qbee42, Jan 7, 2008
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