Over the past month I've noticed on 5 or so occasions that my prius will charge the battery to green while driving with the engine on. No braking or regen going on here. Anyone else see this or think it's "normal" behavior? I've got a 2008 with 8000 miles on it. Fuel economy has dropped, but temps are in the 60-70's now rather than the 80-90's.
With a drop in temperature to the 60s or 70s, your MPG should have increased. Check your tire pressures. With a drop in temperature, your tire pressure will decrease.
I did check the tires and they were low but this was before the drop in MPG and the odd green battery. Tires are at 38/36. They are only rated to 40 so I don't feel like inflating them to that limit.
There is NO reason to fear inflating them to the "limit." None. The "limit" has a significant built-in safety margin. Imagine what would happen if the tires failed because they were inflated to the limit printed on them.... Anyway, the answer: Normal.
The stock Integrities have 44psi max pressure stamped on the sidewall. The tires can withstand much more. Handling & ride comfort are personal choices. Choose pressures that you are comfortable with. It's time to block your grill.
