Fuel economy dropping.

The dealer may have dropped the PSI back down to 35/33. Check it.

JeffD

 

MPG is sensitive to weather (cold, wind and wet each lower MPG). Short trips also lower MPG as both the engine & catalytic must warm up before the HSD helps.

You also have a bladder in the fuel tank that makes fill ups inconsistent, especially in cold weather.

JeffD

 

when you say it's 39, how are you tracking it?

 

Hi Jghake. Have you been resetting the MPG data on the multifunction display when you fill up? If not then the "started out at 43MPG" may have been the long term average from the previous owner.

 

I hadn't seen your previous reply or the "fuelly" data before I posted that last reply. Looking at the fuelly data it looks exactly like it's moving from a previous average of 43 to a new average of about 39 to 40. I think that it's MPG calculation are just adjusting to a new driver/ new driving style.

When I first got my s/h prius, it seemed to take a while to "adjust" to my driving style before it's reported MPG really became accurate. You may find that it settles down and then gradually improves over time. You'll probably also get more familiar with the subtleties driving a prius for best mpg.

 

could be the weather, your driving habits/route, someone else's habits, bad 12 volt battery, when did you put new shoes on her? what were the mpg's before the recall work? maybe reduce the tire pressure and see what happens.

 

no and yes. they don't need random maintenance, but will affect mpg's. air filter every 30,000 or sooner if you're in dusty conditions. i would check it, a dirty air filter will reduce mpg's. it's easy and cheap to replace. plugs at 120,000, belt around 100,000. but doesn't affect mpg's, regular oil and filter every 5,000, make sure it's not above the 'full' line. rotate tires every 5,000, won't affect mpg's. cabin filter every 15,000, won't affect mpg's. car doesn't need much maintenance.

 

What settings do you have the climate control set on? Also are you using the AUTO setting? If it is in Auto, the A/C compressor is running which will tend to contribute to low MPG.

 

If you are running auto, you can push the A/C button in the climate control. The little line underneath should go off. That will turn off the compressor. Try keeping the compressor off during the winter. Less pull on the traction battery which should help with the MPG. If you want to turn the compressor back on, either push the button again (A/C) or push Auto on the MFD. Good luck to you.

 

Do you always get gas at the same station? I found I get different MPG depending on where I buy my Gas. Cheaper gas (mom&pop stations) = bad MPG....Stations more well known with fuel additives = better MPG. I think a lot of it can also be contributed to the quality of Gas.

 

To provide more clues, read this sticky and post your answers to this thread: Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new