only getting 43mpg on 2010 Prius V

lots of them. lets start by filling out the 'why am i only getting xx mpg's' survey.

 

"Not driven on the highway much, mainly used to drop off kids to school and back."

I believe you answered your own question. Short hops kill FE. The 17" wheels seem to cost 1-2mpg compared to the 15". If the tires aren't original the replacements may not be LRR. If they aren't, figure another hit for a few percentage points.

 

Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat

 

10 min drives barely gets the ICE warmed up to optimal temps so that's your main culprit right there. BUT, you're getting much higher mileage than a non-hybrid!

 

Is this for a Prius V, the station wagon?

Because if it is, arent they only rated for 40-44mpg?

 

They didn't have the 'v' in 2010. It's most likely the top trim 'V' when they were using roman numerals.

 

Ok my bad! Thanks!

 

43 is what i get in the winter months w/ 15" rims.

 

43 MPG is what I'm getting this winter in LA (Lansing Area).

 

Yes, but your winter has been mid 60's has it not?
It's just not fair spiderman!

 

Should be no warm up required in socal climate.

 

The engine is programmed to run at high temperatures for emissions control and will still need to warm up.

 

To get to optimal efficiency the ICE still has to warm up, no matter the climate. In SoCal, it won't take as long as say Minnesota or Michigan, but after 10 min, the ICE has maybe a couple of min at optimal temps for efficiency. Also depends on the state of charge on the hybrid battery. I use a little bit of charge making the nearly 1 mile drive from the gate entrance of my community to my garage. Some mornings I only have 3 bars charge indicated by the time I drive from my garage to the gate. When I'm out on the road, my mileage is less while driving and charging the battery at the same time. That could be occurring with the OP too.

 

We've got basically the same car, 17" wheels (with Michelin Pilot tires). Up here it's called "touring". In winter I switch it over to Michelin X-Ice in 195/65R15, but that seems to work out about even.

Our running average over the last 3 years is 46.5 mpg. It's been over 50 on a few tanks, lowest was 40.6. Our driving is a mix, a fair number of short trips, some longer: efficiency drops with short trips, comes back with longer. Best seems to be around town: out on the highway is good, but higher speeds and wind resistance start to take a toll.

I'm wondering too: are the tires replacement, then what brand?

You might also try raising the back with the parking brake off and see if the wheels are close to free spinning. With disk brakes there's always a little drag, but if it's significant maybe the parking brake cable is set too tight?

And have the brakes ever been looked at? You want to ensure the calipers are floating freely, the mounting pins are not binding.

 

You should in most situations try to not worry about keeping in EV.
Moderate exceleration, use gas pedal and try to feather it so as to coast a little bit when you can. Watch stop lights well in advance and try to time the lights to green, or you can slowly coast up to stop lights kind of like you have no brakes.
Also watch this video.
Max MPG Driving Techniques Youtube Video | PriusChat

 

My Gen2 doesn't have an EV button and I've only had 4 tanks under 50MPG, 3 mainly city driving in winter, 1 doing 75MPH on cruise with wind and hills. Most of the Prius' mileage is how you drive it, assuming its in good condition. If you're getting better mileage in your Gen2, you might have a mechanical issue, like the dragging brakes mentioned.

 

Just a after thought, if you can use a different route with less stop lights, signs, less stops the better!
Also if you can drive to the farthest destination first warming up car, then work your way back home with a warm car.
Pretty much anything less than 10 minutes is going to kill mileage.