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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!
     
    #1 supernova87a, May 23, 2013
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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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
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, May 23, 2013
  3. supernova87a

    supernova87a Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    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!
     
    #3 supernova87a, May 29, 2013
    xpcman likes this.
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