Miles per gallon

I would say for short trips in the winter in Chicago, 44 is very respectable, and the drop from 50 not unreasonable. 44 is probably close to what I got last winter (my first with the Prius) in central VA. Not to say it can't be improved ... hang around PriusChat for awhile, and browse the Fuel Economy forum, and you'll learn from some of the best. Here is a good starting point:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom=art...rticle&id=3

Here's another site that focuses on maximimum fuel effeciency in any type of vehicle:

www.cleanmpg.com

Though the site is not hybrid-specific, you'll find good articles and discussions there specific to the Prius.

Good luck!

 

Try stuffing some pipe insulation in the upper grill to keep the engine warm. There's a thread with photos from efusco's mod. Lowe's sells a 6 foot length for $1.18. For the upper grill I measured the gaps between the vertical supports. Cut that much off the end then cut the small piece in half lengthwise. Take the small piece, fold it in half and stuff it in. Don't push too hard or it will fall through the back. I used about 3 feet of insulation.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(deman1134 @ Jan 2 2007, 01:48 AM) [snapback]369462[/snapback]</div>

 

From another Chicago driver currently at 57.5 MPG;

Inflate your tires as high as you can and still be comfortable, currently I am at 55/53.

Do block your entire grill with the pipe insulation.

Get and use an engine block heater, a big help for the first 5 minute warm-up. If you do get one I would be happy to install it for free (done 12 so far).

Keep your heater as cool as you can stand it, set the temp to 68 instead of 80 for instance.

Learn to glide, glide, glide.

Wayne

 

Blocking the grill will have not harm your engine, there is plenty of space in front of your radiator in case your engine gets hot. Highest temp I've seen was 205 degrees momentarily this past weekend while doing some pulse and glide, outside temp was 60. Your radiator fans kick on at about 212.

I am using a different tire for winter driving, however it's max sidewall pressure is 44 psi also. There are threads here and at cleanmpg.com about inflating past sidewall max. Use 44/42 if your worried, bottom line the higher the pressure the better your overall MPG, better tire wear, and better hydroplaning resistance.

Wayne