Improve 70k prius mpg?

when you say 'brake early', i hope you mean 'release gas pedal'

what tyres are you running? are they LRR?

when you say 'drop in mpg', what did you used to get?

have you owned since new? or how long years/miles?

no, inverter fluid is fine.

has your commute changed in any way? seasonal weather changed? hvac use? average speed/acceleration?

jack up the car and check for free wheel spin, just in case

 

Try this reset and also give it a bottle of fuel treatment

 

What kind of driving are you doing, what speeds?

Level or hilly?

No park-and-run-the-AC?

You’re the main driver?

What tires on it?

 

Rear wheels mainly, hard to judge front. And yeah: any recent brake work?

 

Just rear. See “rear brake drag” in my signature. If on phone turn it landscape to see signatures.

 

For starters, read this questionnaire:
Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat

Though that is only a starting point, as it was meant for new-to-hybrid drivers of fairly new cars, and doesn't cover fuel-robbing issues that can accumulate in older cars.

 

Lucas

 

As in "LO"? If so, when using AC, a bit of fuel can be saved by cranking the set temperature up to something higher, but still sufficiently comfortable. And if lacking passengers, aim the near passenger bent towards yourself, close the far passenger vent.

My Michelin Defenders were not low rolling resistance, but were otherwise better tires than the OEM factory tires.

Did the previous tires show wear pattern signs of misalignment?

 

An old hybrid battery will cost you 4-5 mpg as will sitting in Park while keeping it in Ready. Understanding that driving habits matter helps because you want to maximize regen. That means letting up on the gas when going down any grade or hill. Anticipating a stop a block away and gently applying the brakes to stay in regen. No fast acceleration and staying at or below 60 mph instead of 70 or 75. Ac is important for the battery cooling but costs you gas. To maximize mpg keep it at 78 when you can. Inflate tires a few pounds more than the door sticker. Check for wheel bearing and brake drag.

 

Air conditioning impacts mileage significantly. Use less if you can, be smart about using it- leave it set to auto so it can save you fuel when possible. Use a sunshade on the windshield every single stop. Consider a dark tint for the other windows if local laws allow.

On the highway, sticking closer to 55mph yields enormous savings. 70+ is where every car is going to burn a lot of gas, Prius can't help as much. There may be different routes you could take for common trips that let you keep the speed down.

 

Bill norton says gimme actual data or else it’s all speculation!