Rookie Prius driver

Welcome! You will love the car more - the more you drive it.

Please see the section on MPG and fuel efficiency, all topics are covered in great detail there. Quick-start advice would be to increase your tire pressure to 42psi (some like to run the front tires a little lower). There are several tactics that will also help; Pulse and glide, Stealth mode and 'anticipate'. Your mileage will increase as both you and the car get broken in.

I came from a 4x4 Pathfinder that got low teen gas mileage, so I know from where ye hail!

Brent

 

Welcome to PriusChat!

Welcome to PriusChat, Brett! There's a wealth of info here on improving milage and modding. Your MPGs will improve as the car breaks in (you'll see a bump at about 6000 miles) and you learn, or unlearn, what you know about driving. Mods go anywhere from de-badging to replacing the suspension system and wheels. There is also a lot of information here about how the Prius HSD system works, if you want to know the magic of two motors and an engine.

By the way, brentmeister got it a little backwards. You want 2 psi more pressure in the front tires (where the extra weight is) so a lot of people run 42/40 psi front/rear.

For right now, just drive and enjoy! You'll learn

 

This is 100% off the subject - but I officially don't know anyone over 30 with the name Brett. How old are you Bretts?

Congrats on the Prius!

 

Welcome Brett,
As I was reading your thread It was eerily simular to whats going on for me. First off My name is brett too and I just (2mo ago) got my 2008 prius and I am averaging 38 a gallon and I have a large hill to climb every morning. Weird!!! I used to own a Pathfinder. Any way Take everyones advice on driving tips because they all work. I am still trying to find the one that suits me. Goodluck man

 

Congrats on the new Prius. I am a new driver for the Prius and still learning how to drive this wonderful machine/ride. Take it steady up the hill not 'overdoing' the engine then coast down hill and save gas . Hopefully your mpg will increase to the mid 40 mark.

 

Brett - check out of the Fuel Economy Thread, they have posted some very good onfo.

 

Re: Welcome to PriusChat!

Thanks for keeping me honest Bill - I never can remember, that's why I run 42 all the way around

 

Hey Brett, welcome!
Check out the "what car did you trade in" threads. You'll see several of us have "come to our senses". Our hybrids were in lieu of a Ford Exploader AWD, and an even worse, Range Rover (12mpg ... i'm sooo embarrased ). Search around, and enjoy.

 

I'm afraid that puming the tired to 42/40 will cause damage..... Isnt the recommended like 35psi or something?

 

Toyota might recommend that for the best balance between comfort and safety/treadwear (underinflation increases wear and the risk of failure), but the maximum cold sidewall pressure on the OE Goodyears is 44. So you're safe going at least that far, with 44 front and 42 rear. (I know some who have gone beyond that.) It will stiffen the ride a bit but will improve fuel economy.