I've been trying to figure out what feathering means, and though it's mentioned often, no one actually explicitly says what it means. Can someone take pity on a newbie and tell me exactly how to feather? Also, without getting into too much detail, just for a beginner, to get improved mileage, I've gathered the following: 1. Accelerate "normally/briskly" and then coast. 2. Being in electric mode is not necessarily efficient. 3. first 5 minutes of warmup is a killer on the mileage. 4. when going down a hill, try to get no arrows. 5. something about pulse and glide, but i'm not sure what....(since i'm not sure what these terms mean) Are these correct? I guess I'd appreciate it if someone could give me a *brief* list of tips for how to get better mileage for a newbie (ie someone who is coming from driving a regular car). Now, if this short list does not exist or cannot be put together b/c there are simply too many variables or it's really a trial and error for each new Prii owner to figure out, then I understand. But I've been searching through the various threads on fuel economy and it's too fragmented to understand. I know there are much more advanced techniques, I'm just looking for some basic tips on how to change my driving habits from driving a regular car. And I don't know if it matters, I live in Los Angeles, a mixture of city/suburbs driving with highway, nothing too hilly, moderate weather. Thanks in advance! -Stephanie
When I speak of feathering what I mean is going from an accelerator depressed state to full off accelerator by quickly lifting my foot, then very gently reapplying the accelerator until I'm in a no-arrows glide. Yea, that's all pretty good. There are picky details, but that's a pretty good grasp. Pulse and glide simply means using the accelerator to moderately/briskly get up to a target speed (under 42mph) then feathering the pedal (as above) to a no arrows glide and then sustaining that glide down to your next target speed. That all varies by road conditions, traffic, posted speed limit and your comfort level. I tend to pulse and glide b/w 37mph and 30mph in a 35mph zone when there's no traffic, I narrow those speeds when there is traffic. 1) Slow down 2) Bump your tire pressures...I recommend 42f/40r to start. 3) Anticipate traffic--allow lots of following distance to avoid sudden slow downs and reaccelerations. Anticipate stops and slow down and glide to them...get off the gas ASAP when you know or think you'll have to stop. 4) Combine trips...go to the furthest away destination first to allow full warm-up, don't waste time at your stops then work your way back so you lose as little engine heat as possible.
Excellent points efusco. All of this should be in a FAQ, making it easy for everyone, especially new users, to find these frequently asked questions. I created one at another forum, and new threads were cut by 70%. A Search fuction is fine, but not near as good as a well made FAQ.
Regarding the "lots of following distance" tactic: I just wanted to vent about the way other people drive. As soon as I see a red light ahead I take my foot completely off of the accelerator. People routinely change lanes to pass me, just to get to the red light faster and sit there. What are they thinking? </rant>
Don't worry about those fools, just as they change into your lane they soon enough move out. They do reduce your stopping distance but you can't change them. Just live with it. Worst case scenario is you wait for them to stop for fuel ...
As a new owner who has made good use of the search function I agree this should be in a FAQ! So you just purchased a Prius? Here are some common questions... To that nice list I would also add: Auto A/C - what gives? Reverse beep - (yes it is out there but to have it in one place would be handy) Oil change info Tire info A. PSI B. Replacement tires C. Winter tires Winter driving A. TRAC (older and newer) B. VSC C. Engine grill blocking D. EBH Secret compartments Gas A. Bladder system B. Winter fuel Jumping a Prius A. To B. From Changing a tire - where the heck is it? SKS operation Headlights - do they turn off on their own? (yup *but see details...) Links to good sites
So write up a FAQ, and tell the mods to sticky it... if it's good enough, then it will *stick* All the content here is user-generated anyway, so don't be shy!
It needs to begin as a sticky, making it easier to add to over time. I'd be happy to work on one, though they take quite a bit of time to create. Lots of linking, etc. If admins aren't interested though.....(?)
The knowledge Base has all this information and much more. But another new thread specifically for the newbie forum would be great if someone wants to take up the task.
I recommend a user-involved FAQ. Meaning, knowledgeable users write the FAQ in the FAQ thread, then it is added to the first post (the FAQ itself). This makes it easier to accumulate FAQ's, and is much less work then it would be for one person. That and, certain individuals have a lot to offer in certain categories. Layout: One thread titled "FAQ", the first post being the FAQ itself. All subsequent posts being suggested FAQ questions, as well as completed FAQ's (question and answer) by users who'd like to help. I would be happy to help with this project. Set up a sticky and I'll do what I can with my limited Prius knowledge, but some FAQ experience. I think this will go over big.
A follow up question re coming to a stop/slowing down: Evan, you recommend slowing down from far away, with no arrows if possible, is that correct? So my question is this: is it better to glide w/ no arrows and then only need to apply the brake gently 10-20 feet before you need to stop, or is it better to be applying the brakes the entire time (ie. 70-100 feet away) thus getting the recharge green arrows. No arrows is better than green arrows? And YES! as a newbie, I would LOVE to see a FAQ as a sticky, I'm sure it's a lot of work for you seasoned PC users, but I just wanted to let you know that there is at least 1 newbie out there who would greatly appreciate it (the info and the ease of accessing it).
Is this what you' all are thinkin' about: GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post - Prius FAQ What we did over there is find someone to put the FAQ together and then lock down the thread and make it a sticky. Then proposed changes are posted and the 'duty' owner updates the FAQ as needed: Proposed FAQ Update - backup beep - GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars You kinda need one or two 'benign dictators' to handle editing the FAQ and keeping it current. Trying to mix in a discussion under the FAQ doesn't work because it confuses the FAQ with questions and clarifications. These should be handled as a separate thread and the results edited into the FAQ. Bob Wilson
Glide, no arrows, is better. You avoid the conversion of energy from the wheels to the battery and back. Of course, if your battery is low, some regen isn't bad. But optimally, you want to leave the battery pack out of it. The hybrid paradox: buy it for the battery, then strive not to use it.
The principles: The engine is most efficient near maximum load Gliding (no arrows) is better than coasting Coasting is better than braking Braking is better than coming to a complete stop The trick is in learning how to best apply these in the real world. The ideal way to drive would be to mash the accelerator to the floor and come up to a speed which allows you to glide and coast to a stop at your destination. Obviously that is usually impossible.
1. Pretty much, yes. Question, followed by the answer, with no additional linking unless necessary. 2. Agreed. Although having users suggest questions, and maybe even answers in the same thread is wonderful. I would also strongly discourage "discussion" in the thread. Thanks for the note Bob I wrote my "ideal" FAQ at magicJack.com, but then the forum closed temporarily, and they took down the FAQ. I also wrote the FAQ in the Tweaks Forum at dslreports (broadbandreports). Organization RULES!
I love it: gliding is better than coasting, which is better than braking, which is better than a complete stop. Great tip and easy to remember. Thanks!
Better yet: gliding is better than coasting, which is better than regenerative braking, which is better than friction braking, which is better than a complete stop.
