Mpg decreased

Discussion in 'Prime Fuel Economy & EV Range' started by Cook, Dec 16, 2017.

  1. Cook

    Cook New Member

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    I’ve had my car over 2 years and have gotten 40-42 mpg until the past couple months. It has gone down to 36-38 mpg. The only change is I’ve been using my heater. I’ve tried buying my gas from different stations hoping for an improvement but nothing so far. I would appreciate any ideas?
     
    #1 Cook, Dec 16, 2017
  2. Ferrarilover

    Ferrarilover Active Member

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    It’s the heater.


    iPhone ?
     
    #2 Ferrarilover, Dec 16, 2017
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    That is a reasonable decrease for winter. About where do you live, and how much decrease did you experience last winter?
     
    #3 fuzzy1, Dec 16, 2017
  4. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    this person is not driving a Prime so the heat comes from the ICE. And ICE is making heat whether you use the heater or not, so it's not the heater. check tire pressures
     
    #4 priuscatprimeguy, Dec 16, 2017
  5. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The ICE needs to make more heat in winter heating season, and that cuts MPG. The Prius doesn't make nearly as much 'wasted' heat as traditional cars, and spends significant time not making any heat at all. So cold weather and cabin heat have a greater impact when the engine needs to create heat to get up to, and stay at, operating temperature.

    But there are plenty of other winter reasons too:
    Why Mileage Gets Worse in the Winter | PriusChat
     
    #5 fuzzy1, Dec 16, 2017
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  6. Ferrarilover

    Ferrarilover Active Member

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    I agree. It’s the heater / need for heat.
    To be fair I think a drop from low 40s to high 30s when the weather gets cold is pretty good.


    iPhone ?
     
    #6 Ferrarilover, Dec 16, 2017
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your tyres pressure, cold makes them drop. pump it up!:p
     
    #7 bisco, Dec 16, 2017
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  8. Cook

    Cook New Member

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    Thanks for replying. I’ll check my back records to compare. I thought of the tire pressure today too! Merry Christmas!
     
    #8 Cook, Dec 16, 2017
  9. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

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    I've actually found a great strategy here and it's proven to work.

    When the engine turns on or when you go up a hill, blast the heat to get warm. When you're ready to coast or go into EV mode, turn off the climate and then turn on EV mode. My drop in efficiency is now around 25-30% versus 70-100%
     
    #9 inferno, Dec 19, 2017
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  10. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    In any forum like this, it is always a good idea to search for previous threads about the subject BEFORE posting a question for the thousandth time.

    It's been covered before. MANY times. It is not unique to any one model.
     
    #10 Sam Spade, Dec 19, 2017
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