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MPG Techniques

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Dragonfighter, Aug 5, 2009.

  1. Dragonfighter

    Dragonfighter New Member

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    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
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    I've only driven my 2002 a few hundred miles, but the consumption page shows averages between the low and high 30mpg range. Is there a technique for maximizing the MPG in this thing. It seems the motor kicks in pretty easily even at low speeds.

    Everything seems to be running well, it's just that I expected better mileage which is why I invested in this thing in the first place.

    I know my ignorance is wearing ya'll out, but I'd really like to get a handle on this thing.

    Thanks,
    Kyle
     
    #1 Dragonfighter, Aug 5, 2009
  2. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Vehicle:
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    tires 42 f
    40 r
    mobil one 0-5 weight fill up to a point 3/4 of the way up the dipstick
    k&n air filter
    clean the cabin air filter it's located just under the glove compartment
    cycle the emergency brake on and off a few times
    jmho
     
    #2 ursle, Aug 5, 2009
  3. Dragonfighter

    Dragonfighter New Member

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    Really?! That's interesting. Do I do it with the engine running or off?

    Thanks for the response, all simple and neat.

    Kyle
     
    #3 Dragonfighter, Aug 5, 2009
  4. MJFrog

    MJFrog Active Member

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    How long is your commute? (short commute=not warmed up=low FE/MPG)
    Have you tried Hypermiling techniques?
    Don't try to run Electric Only for long periods. It's a losing battle because the only way to recharge is via the gas engine and conversion inefficiencies will kill you (gas/regen-->battery-->elect. moter all cost FE).
     
    #4 MJFrog, Aug 5, 2009
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Prime Plus
    My recommendation:

    1. 1-2 miles at 25 mph - if you can, cut through a neighborhood at 25 mph for the first 1-2 miles. This lets the engine warm-up and become more efficient before putting a serious load.
    2. Tires at max sidewall - this will minimize rolling drag.
    3. Oil level - needs to be below "F", say 1/4". "F" is OK but anything over "F" is bad news.
    4. Keep speed at or under 65 mph, which should give 52-53 MPG on level road and no wind and temperatures above 60F. At 70 mph, it drops to 49 MPG. At 75 mph, it drops to 39 MPG.
    5. Change transaxle oil and wipe pan - this reduces internal drag significantly. Change every 30k miles.
    You also need to learn about the warmup phases. It is important that within about 4-5 minutes to come to a complete stop, holding the brake, juice the accelerator, and then let the engine 'auto-stop.' This puts the car in hybrid mode and you're good to go.

    I also avoid speeds at 42 mph and prefer to drive either 0-38 mph or 45-65 mph. At 42 mph, the car can transition between hybrid and gas-always mode. Staying in either mode is good but a lot of transitions leads to unnecessary engine start-stops.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #5 bwilson4web, Aug 5, 2009
  6. jdms2000

    jdms2000 New Member

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    on the freeway, my 02 seems to love 62 mph. anything more and my mileage gets worse fast.
     
    #6 jdms2000, Aug 5, 2009
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