MPG is really good, but I want better...

throw all the provisions overboard to lighten the weight. welcome to priuschat, all the best!

 

I'm new to the Prius myself so i'm sure that others can offer more driving-style related suggestions, but i'm inclined to go with bisco ... if you're REALLY serious then cut some weight. Take out everything that doesn't have to be there.
If your interest is a little more casual then turning your car into a rolling shell with just a driver's seat and a center console, i'd wait for someone else to pipe up.

Best of luck on your mpg quest.

 

Go to CleanMPG.com and learn how to hypermile. Adjusting the nut behind the wheel will gain more than changing anything else.

 

Go on a diet.
Every pound you lose, is a pound The Prius doesn't have to move.

Seriously, there is a point IMO of diminishing returns.

You're welcome to embrace any number of additions, subtractions and driving philosophies into action.

But personally? What I would do would be happy with a 55 mpg average.

 

I'd put the stock air cleaner back in.

 

Yah, I haven't had much luck with K&N air filters... With the same driving habits, MPG has pretty much remained the same. Only (negative) noticeable difference is increase in engine noise.

 

fuzzy1 revealed the secret to get the BEST MPG. "Learn to Hypermile". I can easily get 50+ just driving the Prius easily around town. But if I hypermile, the numbers definitely go higher.

I am not a hypermile freak. In other words, I don't do it 100% of the time. However, I do it when it is practical, and advantageous.

Also, for the OP if you have not pumped up your tires to max pressure yet give that a shot.

FWIW, 55 is VERY good if that is your true average over several tank fulls. Good luck to you and welcome to Prius Chat.

Ron

 

My wife drives mostly around town the same way she drove the Explorer and gets 45-47mpg. I can drive it mostly longer distances on the highway, never over 55 mph, use the cruise, let off the accelerator long before the need, feather the brake when slowing to get more charge in the battery and I will get 55 mpg. My teachie son sees it as a competition, never goes over 50 and mostly 40-45, rarely uses the brake, and routinely gets 60-62 and has gotten 67mpg over 30 miles in the country. Driving style makes the biggest difference in mpg after the basics are in line. LRR tires, clean carb, good 12V battery, and all mechanicals functioning properly.

 

congratulations on getting 55mpg early on. Some people move up fairly quickly climbing up the numbers, some people don't. I suggest reading through the Top 20 MPG record holders thread in the Gen III forum and you'll get lots of tips and links to hypermiling threads there. Or just search for hypermiling.

Like what others suggested and in order of cost, i'd start with the free and easy modifications first. All it takes is time and commitment:

1. raise tire pressures to 42/40 (that's what i use currently)
2. more comfortable driving shoes (thin soled)
3. learning how to read the MFD and understanding what exactly goes on in the HSD system.
4. knowing the prius stages by heart.
5. training your foot to be sensitive to pedal pressure and getting that muscle memory thing going.
really important for gliding by feel, without looking at the MFD.
6. learning and applying mild hypermiling techniques
7. reduce unnecessary weight of car, driver, and passengers


Improvements that involve some cash:
8. grill block (in winter)
9. proper maintenance (12v battery, oil, throttle body, plugs, alignment, brake adjustments)
10. engine block heater (EBH) - a big help. I use it all year round
11. LRR tires
12. OBDII scanners like Torque / ScangaugeII (really helpful and a good investment)

Other improvements that may help MPG a bit but will greatly improve road handling and feel.
13. underchassis brace
14. strut brace, under brace
15. upgrade rear sway bar
16. upgrade front sway bar
17. lowering springs or coilovers

Extreme aero mods to help MPG
18. side mirror deletion
19. wheel covers and fender covers
20. kammback installation
21. chassis smoothening

best of luck on your quest!

 

Warming up the ICE is hard on good FE. Short trips are out. In other words short hops and continual warm ups hurt your FE. So plan the use of your Prius. H

 

You can read this thread and learn from the most fuel efficient drivers on this site.

Top 20 - MPG Record Holders | PriusChat

 

Your car is probably OK, but a low rolling resistance car like a Prius is sensitive to proper alignment. If you get a chance, it might be a good idea to have it checked. If, that is, you are the curious type.

 

Make the wife/husband get out and push at lights so you have a rolling start.