Hello everyone, My wife and I are new to the Hybrids. We just purchased our first Prius March 15. So far first tank got me 41.9 mpg, figured by math ( I don't trust the car's computer totally). Love the car and love the $$$ I am saving. I have to drive about 70 miles a day and my Ford was getting 23 to 25 mpg.
Welcome to the forum, pattom! Congratulations on your new car! Actually the car's MFD (Multi-function display) is more accurate for a single tank mpg than calculating by how many gallons it took to fill it up - because of the inner-tank bladder, which causes "full" to vary, based on temperature, barometric pressure, etc. - one of our precious "little" car's idiosyncrasies (sp?). Another suggestion right off the bat, don't be tempted to slow the car with "B" the engine brake. That wastes energy. Stepping on the brake causes the car to decrease speed by activating the generator - thereby pumping watts into your battery. The engine brake merely slows the car with the engine. Yes, use "B" when you're going down a really big hill, and your MFD says that the battery is chock full. At that point slowing the car then becomes dependent upon "B" or the brake shoes. (The car's smarter than most of us are!) Have fun!:welcomeI wish I had to drive 70 miles a day.)
Yes, after years and years of training the rest of my family NOT to ride the brakes going down a hill, to either modulate them or use low gear, I needed to turn around ant tell them that with the Prius, steady light brake pedal going down a hill is a good thing unless the battery is completely charged. So far, I have not had an ocasion to use B. I think it would be nice if Toyota would provide a Firmware Update that would automatically egnage B for a down grade when the battery is full and you apply light brake pressure.
Welcome to Priuschat, Pattom! It's never too soon to check your tire pressure. My dealer had every tire at a different pressure. Now I'm running 42 front and 40 back, as many members have suggested for better mpg.
I am new here too. I just purchased my first Prius yesterday! Driftwood Pearl touring Pkg 2. This is a HUGE change from a full size diesel PU getting 16mpg. I have lots to get used to & lots more to learn. I think this site is gonna be a wonderful resource!
Welcome, folks! Priuschat is a great resource with the best kind of people (except for the crazy ones).
Hey, speaking of crazy, I just checked out the photos of Dingo and Digby, and am I crazy, or is the dog with the great dog smile avatar not either one of them?
