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MPG boost

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017.

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  1. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    I have a 2006 prius that gets at best 40mpg. It has a new traction battery in it (I think). I was wondering if there was a quick and easy way to boost that?

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    #1 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Winter is bad. Short trips are bad.
    We would need to know a little more: where do you live (state/climate)?
    Easy things are better tires, depending on what you have, wait for summer etc.
    New 12v battery maybe if that is too old.
    You should look at our MPG survey to get ideas (it's around here somewhere)
     
    #2 wjtracy, Jan 16, 2017
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  3. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    Missouri, so lots of temp fluctuations rn. And I have been on short trips lately, but even on the interstate, I get no more than 40.

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    #3 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 16, 2017
  5. Moving Right Along

    Moving Right Along Senior Member

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    Cold, precipitation (if it's raining, snowing, etc.), old spark plugs, worn or underinflated tires, dirty air filter, battery problems, short trips, traffic jams, and driving style all can lower MPG.
     
    #5 Moving Right Along, Jan 16, 2017
  6. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    She's got 200k on her. Got a tune up about 8k ago. Tires do need to be replaced. Been trying to fine the best ones for fairly cheap. Might go with Hankook Milage Plus II. Air filter is fine.

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    #6 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what is a tune up? there are a number of things on a prius that can become an mpg problem with that kind of mileage.
    you may want to investigate the 'supposedly new' battery further, if possible.
     
    #7 bisco, Jan 16, 2017
  8. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    The tune up was spark plugs replaced and timing belt replaced. Two pistons are messed up though...and I was told the battery was just replaced before I got it.

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    #8 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  9. Moving Right Along

    Moving Right Along Senior Member

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    how exactly are they messed up? That sounds like it could be a significant engine issue.
     
    #9 Moving Right Along, Jan 16, 2017
  10. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    Pistons one and three have low compression...like VERY low...and they both also randomly misfire....only at start up though

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    #10 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  11. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Here is my MFD display yesterday, Prius Chat exclusive pro photo.
    Note we are getting only 43 MPG average, due to short trips.
    But also notice on this 25-min trip down at 50 MPH highway with a few lights, we are getting 50+ MPG after a while.
    That's what tells me we are OK...got close to 160k miles on her.
    The other thing remember to hit the RESET after fill-up, otherwise you are just getting long term average.
    IMG_1811.JPG
     
    #11 wjtracy, Jan 16, 2017
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how much oil is it using? it might be worth throwing a low mile salvage engine in.
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 16, 2017
  13. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    Just got the oil replaced, with an oil additive added...mechanic didn't say it was low. I added some about 2k into the previous oil change, but not that much oil loss I believe

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    #13 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
  14. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ..better check..OK oil good...not having any problem with oil losses.
    I use Mobil-1 5W-30 including the Mobil-1 filters are highly rated but you gotta order ahead from Amazon.
    usually use Extended Drain Mobil-1 as a like to procrastinate beyond 5000 miles like 7000 usually, who knows when I feel like it's too late.
     
    #14 wjtracy, Jan 16, 2017
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get a new engine before it's too late.;)
     
    #15 bisco, Jan 16, 2017
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  16. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    I would love to...but can't really even come up for money for tires rn...college is a money drain

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    #16 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
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  17. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    #17 fuzzy1, Jan 16, 2017
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  18. Moving Right Along

    Moving Right Along Senior Member

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    Seems to me like the low compression and worn tires could be combining to reduce your fuel economy. You can use driving tips to maximize what you have, but I doubt you're going to see remarkable improvements without addressing those 2 things.
     
    #18 Moving Right Along, Jan 16, 2017
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can do some free maintenance like throttle body and maf cleaning, pcv, intake manifold, maybe some fuel injector cleaner.
     
    #19 bisco, Jan 16, 2017
  20. Noobprius

    Noobprius Junior Member

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    So, this goes in order:

    -no, I have not read the thread

    -I am getting around 38mpg according to the car

    -the outside air ranges from 20F to 60F

    -my trips can be anywhere from ten to thirty minutes

    -it is almost all highway

    -I live in missouri (reason for temp fluctuations)

    -oil was just changed a week ago

    -unknown on the 12V

    -have not checked the alignment since I bought it 8k miles ago

    -general altimax rt on the front, salun (?) Aterrez on the back, all 185 65R15

    -35psi on front, 33 on rear

    -previous vehicle was a 2000 dodge ram 1500. 5.9L motor with an automatic transmission. Idk the actual mpg, but I will guess anywhere from 9-12

    -I drive normally, cruise control on the interstate

    -I normally don't warm up the engine before I drive

    -I drive in D mode

    -nothing really changed as far as I know...maybe the weather? It just has lost mpg since I got it

    @bisco- I have had the throttle body cleaned and have tried multiple fuel injector cleaners, with not much difference



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    #20 Noobprius, Jan 16, 2017
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