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mpg drop after oil change - anyone else experience?

Discussion in 'Prius v Fuel Economy' started by supernova87a, May 23, 2013.

  1. supernova87a

    supernova87a Junior Member

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    2009 Prius
    Hi all --
    Just a quick question to ask if anyone has experienced or knows the cause of this. After oil changes (seen this 1-2 times now) on my 2009 Prius, I see a drop in mpg from 48 --> 45 or so. My driving doesn't change significantly, and I believe that the mpg slowly recovers over time.

    Has anyone else seen this? Is there a reasonable explanation? Am I having my oil changed wrong? I usually get a 5W30 regular oil from Jiffy Lube -- nothing special. I decline the fully synthetic, because the 2009 model doesn't call for it, but would this affect the mpg? (I live in Bay Area, N. CA)

    Thanks!
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Vehicle:
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    Three
    While a synthetic 0-W20 might help some, I suspect the real issue is over filling the crankcase.

    Many Gen 2 owners prefer a point about 3/4 of the way from low to full.

    Oil Overfill Question | PriusChat
     
  3. supernova87a

    supernova87a Junior Member

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    2009 Prius
    thank you! I looked at the dipstick and sure enough, 1cm over the top mark. Got Jiffy Lube to drain 0.5 qt (to 3/4 between the marks), and I believe I can already see the mpg returning to normal!
     
    xpcman likes this.