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Minus Temps Killing Mileage

Discussion in 'Prius v Fuel Economy' started by Northernguy, Dec 19, 2013.

  1. Northernguy

    Northernguy Junior Member

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    I have a 2012 Prius v, and over these past few weeks I have gotten the worst gas mileage ever. The car was recording mileage at about 35 mpg, but actual has been closer to 32. Yes, I know that it's because Wisconsin has bee recording temps. in the zero or below zero range; but it's still pretty discouraging. In summer I get the normal Prius ratings for mileage ( about 44). Any ideas on how to increase my winter mileage?
     
    #1 Northernguy, Dec 19, 2013
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Move to Texas
     
    #2 rjparker, Dec 19, 2013
    bisco and Northernguy like this.
  3. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Short trips are a big killer for MPG in the cold. The longer the trip, the closer you'll get to warm weather MPG.
    You can have a block heater installed which will help with the short trips, but beware the dealer will charge about $350 just for the labor.

    Pump up those tires!
     
    #3 rdgrimes, Dec 19, 2013
  4. Hankth

    Hankth Junior Member

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    Isn't 35 mpg alot more than you were getting with your last car?? This is normal for cold weather. Chillax.
     
    #4 Hankth, Dec 19, 2013
  5. Northernguy

    Northernguy Junior Member

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    Had a 2006 Rav 4 with the 6 cyl. engine, mileage in winter went down to about 21 mpg. So, yes, my mileage is much better; but bigger % lost of miles per gal. compared to my Rav.
     
    #5 Northernguy, Dec 19, 2013
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    grille blocking, pump up the tyres.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 19, 2013
  7. Stevevee

    Stevevee Active Member

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    My 2004 Corolla only went down in the winter if I let it idle and warm up. I never had to slow down on my interstate drive, hills no problems, and I averaged 35 mpg all winter long. About what I always got. 5 speed manual.

    I'd almost like to have it back for a winter car ;)
     
    #7 Stevevee, Dec 19, 2013
  8. parnami

    parnami Member

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    At what temperture do you have the heater set? If it's too high, it forces the engine to turn on to provide heat, not just power. Try reducing it a bit. Setting the car to ECO mode also helps reduce the temp point where the engine turns on to provide heat.
     
    #8 parnami, Dec 20, 2013
  9. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    ECO mode also lowers the blower speed.
     
    #9 rdgrimes, Dec 20, 2013
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