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Need MPG Help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by ru5real, Jun 13, 2015.

  1. ru5real

    ru5real Junior Member

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    A few months ago, I did a lot of maintenance work on my Gen II. Here is what I did.
    Maintenance - What am I missing? | PriusChat
    The MPG went down initially, but by the third tank, I was averaging over 50 mpg. Then I went through a period of very little driving (once a week). Now, I'm driving daily but my fuel efficiency has dropped significantly (~40 mpg) for several tanks. I checked the tire pressure and all fluids. The only thing I can think of that could be causing this is that I'm driving much shorter distances, sometimes even less than a mile (I work from home now).

    Has anyone experienced anything similar? Could my short distance driving (which I know decrease your average, due to fuel being used at each start for warm up) be causing this large of a drop? Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
     
    #1 ru5real, Jun 13, 2015
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This is pretty much how my mom drives the prius, she gets around 39mpg
     
    #2 JC91006, Jun 13, 2015
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yup, and check your 12 volt battery too.
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 13, 2015
  4. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    The short trips are almost certainly the cause. I would consider 40mpg to be alright considering the driving conditions.
     
    #4 vskid3, Jun 13, 2015
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i suppose you could reset the avg mpg and go for a long drive to test it.
     
    #5 bisco, Jun 13, 2015
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  6. alekska

    alekska Active Member

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    Air conditioning use combined with short trips really kills the mpg
    Alex
     
    #6 alekska, Jun 13, 2015
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  7. ru5real

    ru5real Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone. That was my hunch, glad it isn't hybrid battery related. Need to confirm with a long drive, just need a place to go. (y)
     
    #7 ru5real, Jun 13, 2015
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