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My most amazing MPG trip

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by SageBrush, Aug 14, 2009.

  1. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
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    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    The last two days I've driven 200 mile round trips each day, and by this morning had 52.x mpg by the MFD. I usually find my fuel economy is about 59 mpg on this highway route, driving about 63 mph.

    I figured the wind was the reason, but it was actually a nail. The tire only had 9 psi this morning when a kind driver pulled up alongside to let me know. No doubt the tire had been inflated a bit more yesterday, but not enough to prevent damage and need for replacement.

    53 mpg on a bad tire.

    Incidentally, I noticed a number of differences in the car, but none was flagrant enough to to trip my meter and get out and see what the problem is:

    * the drop in MPG
    * the steering wheel was rotated a couple of degrees driving straight
    * less than usual speed coasting down hills I am used to
    * road noise while making a turn
    * VSC light on turns. (yeahh, I know. This *could* be a thread about VSC saving my bacon, but that is less interesting)
     
    #1 SageBrush, Aug 14, 2009
  2. VABeachPrius

    VABeachPrius Member

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    Location:
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    V
    I too have been arrogant enough to believe that the TPMS light must be defective. I saw the light, ignored it, continued driving for a few more miles, stopped at a 7-11 for a soda, and when I returned from the store I noticed that the front right tire was flat. From then on, I learned not to ignore things like this. I was lucky that it did not occur quickly and that I was in a parking lot.
     
    #2 VABeachPrius, Aug 15, 2009
  3. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Joined:
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    And your TPMS light did not come on? :confused:
     
    #3 2009Prius, Aug 17, 2009
  4. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    If you had wone one of these during a Prius Event trivia contest:

    [​IMG]

    You'd know that the 2004 Prius didn't come w/ the tpms option ... nor leather ... nor backup camera ... yup. those were primitive times. They even had casset players!

    ;)
     
    #4 hill, Aug 18, 2009
  5. spitinuri

    spitinuri Member

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    True. I really miss not having a backup camera. The heated leather seats were an add on. As for TPMS I have to check every week or so. It's not too far from the cave.
     
    #5 spitinuri, Aug 23, 2009
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