My car has been getting 33.8 MPG and I'm currently in the waiting room at Toyota. The service guy told me it could be the tires. I think that's BS. Thoughts?
It is probably multiple things. We need a lot more clues. You can help by reading the post below, and posting here as many answers as practical: Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat In general, don't expect much help from the shop. They can deal with anything that sets off a Check Engine Light, but lack the time, expertise, motivation, and profit incentive to teach drivers about the myriad other factors the hurt MPG.
Thanks for the reply. I noticed the EV turns on intermittently so I think it's a problem with the temperature sensor. I just wanted to know if anybody thinks new tires of any kind can drag my car down by 27 MPG.
Yep Fuzzy1 is correct. For some reason, your ICE (internal combustion engine) is running most of the time. Could be a battery issue with the ICE trying to keep the battery charged. But this issue could be caused by several reasons.
Insufficient information. Do remember that this is a gasoline powered car, not an EV. Overusing it in EV is a common neophyte mistake that sabotages overall results. Until you are experienced, let the car make its own choice between EV and ICE. While not perfect, it is very very good at making the best choice. Both poor tire choice, and new tires in and of themselves (whether right or wrong choice) are factors that hurt MPG, but not by enough to trigger this thread. You have other factors hurting MPG too, but we lack clues needed to point you in the right directions.
Yep, lots of possibilities in addition to the tires. They could be part of the problem, but it seems odd that they would do that much harm unless they were almost flat. For example, has there been a change in how far you usually drive? Short trips are a lineage killer. Could be it's working hard to try to charge a failing 12V battery. I'm sure there are others, but it's hard to get a handle on it without more info.
Since this thread is about tires, how do you all recommend choosing the best tires for your particular Prius? Owner's manual? Other? I remember from reading a tire thread when in 2014 I bought my now totaled 2007, and I believe slight over-inflation was recommended for better gas mileage. I'm getting ready to replace my wrecked Prius with another used one and appreciate suggestions. My 2007 Touring model was averaging 46-48 mpg.
There's a sticky thread about low rolling resistance tires. About the only things we agree on are that the Prius should be supported with 4 tires on the pavement and that there should be some amount of pressurized gas in the tires.
2005 Base Prius. 275,000 miles. Pep Boys cheapest stock size tires that were available. Son drives like a banshee and still is banging out 44 mpg. IMHO opinion of 35 years working on cars: if its a stock size/stock rim/no rubbing/no brakes dragging, no 30 degree toe in, then anyone saying the tires dropped your mileage down to 34 should take any paperwork they have for qualifications and flush it down the toilet.
Lol I had 144,322 miles on my 2007 Touring. I actually don't remember what tires I had on it beyond that it was getting due for new ones.
There many factors to consider before determining there a issue with the vehicle . Q: what was you previous mpg summer or winter ? What kind of tires? All bend of gasoline has various results, road and operational conditions . My mpg is down 6-8+ mpg during winter conditions
Is your instant MPG display like it used to be? Have you cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor? Go to an auto parts store buy a can of Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner about $10. Find one of the online videos study it then open the hood unclip the air filter cover remove the connector on the MAF sensor, remove 2 philips head screws carefully remove the MAF. clean following directions on the can of cleaner, then clean again. Let it dry. Reinstal the MAF. Re install the 2 screws. Plug it back in. Put the air cleaner cover back on. Test drive, looking at the instant MPG bar graph if it looks better you may have solved the pblem
Is your instant MPG display like it used to be? Have you cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor? Go to an auto parts store buy a can of Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner about $10. Find one of the online videos study it then open the hood unclip the air filter cover remove the connector on the MAF sensor, remove 2 philips head screws carefully remove the MAF. clean following directions on the can of cleaner, then clean again. Let it dry. Reinstal the MAF. Re install the 2 screws. Plug it back in. Put the air cleaner cover back on. Test drive, looking at the instant MPG bar graph if it looks better you may have solved the pblem
Is your instant MPG display like it used to be? Have you cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor? Go to an auto parts store buy a can of Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner about $10. Find one of the online videos study it then open the hood unclip the air filter cover remove the connector on the MAF sensor, remove 2 philips head screws carefully remove the MAF. clean following directions on the can of cleaner, then clean again. Let it dry. Reinstal the MAF. Re install the 2 screws. Plug it back in. Put the air cleaner cover back on. Test drive, looking at the instant MPG bar graph if it looks better you may have solved the pblem
NO, not possible. Well maybe if you put truck tires on it and ran them at 5 PSI. Note: it sometimes can be dragging brakes though.
