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MPG Jump?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by orangenerd, May 9, 2012.

  1. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    So I have about 1700 miles on my Prius C...been averaging about 50 mpg overall...normally it shows 50-55 mpg by the time I get to work. BUT since my last trip to the pump 150 miles ago I have been getting a ridiculous 65-75 mpg average... I have not changed my route or driving techniques... I can only think of a few reasons.

    1. The gauge is off. ( hopefully not)
    2. The engine has finally broken in (took a little long though, dontcha think?)
    3. I increased the Tire Pressure to 38/40 psi. (It can't really increase MPG that much can it?)
    4. The weather is getting warmer. (I live in Oklahoma, the weather gets hot BUT it hasn't gotten really hot yet)

    I am truly perplexed. Help me out fellow Prius owners.
     
    #1 orangenerd, May 9, 2012
  2. PriusCinBlack

    PriusCinBlack Member

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    Probably a combination of all 2, 3 and 4, plus you're probably getting better with using the techniques, if you're using any at all, whether your realize it or not. Just practice, even if it doesn't seem to you you're getting any better at it.
     
    #2 PriusCinBlack, May 9, 2012
  3. dano9258

    dano9258 New Member

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    Does increasing tire pressure help that much?
     
    #3 dano9258, May 9, 2012
  4. HaveNoCents

    HaveNoCents Conservative Tree Hugger

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    Yes. When I was at factory specs I was getting 45. I changed to 40/38 and I started seeing 50 calculated. Now I changed to 42/40 and got my best calculated since I bought the car. 55mpg.

    Most of my trips are under 10 miles. I have a 150 mile trip every two weeks.
     
    #4 HaveNoCents, May 9, 2012
  5. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    combo knockout!

    I would say all too (except gauge)

    Warm vrs cold plays a big role.

    it is about 25% jump or better, but add in about 2-5mpg for each thing and you get close.
    Good Job!
     
    #5 dig4dirt, May 9, 2012
  6. scudmonster

    scudmonster New Member

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    "I increased the Tire Pressure to 38/40 psi."

    What exactly does that mean? Is the first number for the front tires and the second number for the back tires?
     
    #6 scudmonster, May 9, 2012
  7. HaveNoCents

    HaveNoCents Conservative Tree Hugger

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    Yes
     
    #7 HaveNoCents, May 9, 2012
  8. XRinger

    XRinger Member

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    Wow, that's an interesting problem. I've heard of people getting some high MPGs with the Prius C, but I think they weren't unexpected.

    You should do some manual MPG calculations, and let us know what you find..
    You've got my interest!

    Cheers,
    Rich
     
    #8 XRinger, May 10, 2012
  9. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    yes... it's probably a combination of factors..

    also, as the weather gets warmer... the summer blends of fuel are going to start getting placed in gas stations... and they yield better mpgs compared to the winter blend.
     
    #9 SquallLHeart, May 10, 2012
  10. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    I also been reading up on this ethanol.

    Maybe you slipped in some pure gas?
    Any change on fuel pump or station?

    Go for pure if you can
    I will be starting in both my Prius'
     
    #10 dig4dirt, May 10, 2012
  11. scudmonster

    scudmonster New Member

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    I see several differing ideas about the best tire pressure. What is the most recommended for great MPG?
     
    #11 scudmonster, May 10, 2012
  12. south central

    south central Member

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    Humm, I figure Toyota did all the research and they would want the highest mpg, to be reported by the customer, for the c's bragging rights.

    The recommended tire pressure (for best mpg? well, you be the judge) is posted on the driver's side B pillar. The number stamped on the tire is the max psi for that particular tire.
    :)
    Deb
     
    #12 south central, May 10, 2012
  13. secondspassed

    secondspassed Member

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    I find 40/38 to be quite comfortable, for what it's worth. Not too stiff.
     
    #13 secondspassed, May 10, 2012
  14. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Like the others have stated, it is a combination of many things but warmer weather is usually the largest contributor to mpg differences not counting driving style. With temps of 70F or higher Prius efficiency goes way up. For those of us with an early morning commute this is very obvious. During winter, morning commute temps may be in the 30s or 40s and I struggle to get 46mpg. In summer when temps are 60F+, I can get 50mpg. The difference is less noticeable on the way home because temps are usually 60F+.

    Our weather recently started hitting the high 80s to mid 90s and my mpg shot way up. Combined with careful driving I am sitting at 58.8mpg over the last 260miles. I was at 59.4 but high winds drug it down.
     
    #14 F8L, May 10, 2012
  15. GraeSack

    GraeSack New Member

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    I run my Pc3 tires at 40F/38R. On informal A-B test I went from 56.1 to 60.4 with the increased pressures per the display. This was on a mixed suburban/freeway loop. I need to do a more rigorous test.

    All the best.
     
    #15 GraeSack, May 10, 2012
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