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What am I doing wrong???

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by KrisM, Nov 14, 2011.

  1. KrisM

    KrisM New Member

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    We picked up our 2009 prius about a month ago from a local dealer. At the time it was getting about 52 miles per gallon. Since then, we have driven about 1000 miles and now we are getting only about 41 miles per gallon. Are we doing something wrong that made the MPG drop over 10 miles per gallon?

    Thanks for your thoughts!
    Kris
     
    #1 KrisM, Nov 14, 2011
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Could be several things. Winter fuel blend, cold weather definitely have an impact. The engine will take longer to warm up, and if you are running the heater, the engine will not idle stop if the coolant temperature is too low.
     
    #2 seilerts, Nov 14, 2011
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #3 cwerdna, Nov 14, 2011
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #4 JimboPalmer, Nov 14, 2011
  5. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Cold weather, winter gas mix and short trips (under 5 miles) could add up to the mpd your getting.
     
    #5 xpcman, Nov 14, 2011
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    was the 52mpg on a full tank of gas and all your own driving?
     
    #6 bisco, Nov 14, 2011
  7. yanyo@charter.net

    [email protected] New Member

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    An 'idiot light', on the dash, reminded us that with the approaching cold weather the tires on our '09 Prius were low on air pressure. Soft tires could be a factor for low gas milage. It is best to keep them inflated to the maximum pressures.

    Batteries require more charging in colder weather. This could be demanding more from your ICE.

    Around town, in the hills of Western North Carolina, we're averaging about 45 MPG.

    Bob
     
    #7 [email protected], Nov 14, 2011
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