2009 Prius Base - $19k - Page 13 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Matt Herring · 05-30-2009, 07:54 PM

I took another crack at the "new route" today with 70 degree temps and dry roads. I'm convinced the new route does not produce better mpg for me despite having a more favorable terrain. The increased traffic (whether I run it at 8am, 11am or 1pm...the normal times I drive to work) is just too much congestion to produce better mpg than my "old route."

There's a shopping center at about mile 7 of 12 on the new route and it clogs the roadway and forces me to halt my coast or EV glide every time. Near that same shopping center there is a stop light and I've hit it on RED every run...never being able to coast through it (and because of the added traffic an EV mode start from the light isn't really being a "good driver" as the drivers behind me don't appreciate the crawl).

I've had 6 good runs on the new route and only 1 produced better result than the old route (ironically the one that tempted me to try the new route). Not to mention, even if I equal or get a tick over better mpg on the new route...I still have to do much better mpg on the new route because it is 1 mile longer than the old route (using more fuel to go the extra 1 mile).

With no cars on the road the new route blows away the old route...I estimate by about 3 mpg from the point where new and old route split. Maybe I'll take a 4am test drive (when there's no or little traffic) to work to see what the results are on new and old route just for kicks.

It was worth the try as my old route was getting a little stale and despite only having the car 2 months I feel like I'm topping out on my mpg (with only higher temps on my side to increase mpg). Outside of the 22 miles I drive round trip for work I really don't drive much outside of that (maybe 100 miles for errands on a 450 mile tank). So, maximizing my work commute is essential to maximizing my mpg.

On my MFD, I'm stuck in the 62-64 mpg range and now looking elsewhere for opportunities to grab some mpg. Right now I'm at 62.2 mpg on my MFD after 205 miles and scrambling to recoup some of the mpg I lost testing out the new route (again, it was worth the effort). Hopefully, I can get over 63.2 mpg on my MFD by next fill and set a new tank high.

Anybody want to offer some fairly easy mods to help me out (preferably ones that do not alter the physical appearance of the car)?

FYI - I'm going to stop by my Toyota dealer tomorrow (where I bought my Prius) and offer to partner with them to teach new Prius drivers (and anyone else) how to maximize mpg. Some of you may remember I started my Super Commuter Driving School last Fall and with gas prices starting to creep up it's a good time to pick up some extra cash. I'm working on a simple brochure I'll try to have them add to their customer packets when someone buys a car...keep 'em crossed!

MetroMPG · 05-30-2009, 10:36 PM

Got a block heater and a place to plug it in?

The hybrids are extra sensitive to coolant temp - they won't shut down the ICE if its not above a certain threshold. I'd probably start there for mods.

Matt Herring · 05-31-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Got a block heater and a place to plug it in?

The hybrids are extra sensitive to coolant temp - they won't shut down the ICE if its not above a certain threshold. I'd probably start there for mods.

I do plan to install a block heater at some point before the winter sets in. I don't have a place to plug in at home because of the way my parking lot is configured but I can find a place at work to do it. So, my mileage might suffer on the way to work but on the way home I should see some improvements.

This may even out my commute a little as my trip to work is more downhill and I get better overall mpg than the commute from work. They have block heaters on priuschat.com for $49 specifically for the Prius but I'll take a look around on the web to see if I can find a good used one for less.

MetroMPG · 05-31-2009, 02:27 PM

Why wait for winter? You'll see an improvement in summer driving too. It'll be smaller, but you won't have to plug in as long either. Pre-heating the coolant gives you a year round boost.

Matt Herring · 05-31-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Why wait for winter? You'll see an improvement in summer driving too. It'll be smaller, but you won't have to plug in as long either. Pre-heating the coolant gives you a year round boost.

To be honest I'm trying to figure out how to install it...I have no idea and I don't have any way to lift the car to figure it out. I also don't want to pay a dealer to install it for me...so I'm shopping for a good price on one while I figure out how to get it in there. The biggest thing I've ever done with tools is put a desk together.

Daox · 05-31-2009, 08:22 PM

Here is a DIY written by Hobbit. He makes it seem like quite the big deal. However, fireengineer (or whatever they call him on priuschat, wayne is his name) has installed many block heaters and I think he has it down to a 15 minute install, so you might want to PM him.

Prius heat-efficiency mods

Prius heat-efficiency mods 2

Matt Herring · 05-31-2009, 09:33 PM

I did some reading on priuschat.com today and the install is probably beyond my means in terms of jacking the car up or putting it on ramps, actually finding the hole it goes into and securing it properly.

It's $49 for a new block heater and $50 for the shop to install it...I'm going to try and get my Super Commuter Instruction up and running to cover the cost. At $20 a lesson I only have to get 5 people to pay for this mod.

Matt Herring · 06-01-2009, 04:33 PM

Two interesting developments recently discussed in this thread:

#1 My hesitation to crawl under my jacked up car to install an EBH was strengthened today when I opened the local newspaper. A guy the next town under died yesterday while working on his jacked up Jaguar...crushed by the car and died. While I would take every precaution before climbing under the car I'm not experienced with these things and can do without it...working on hiring a more experienced friend to assist with the operation after I get the EBH delivered.

Story link is below...from the pic in the paper the rear wheels were off...a story I didn't need to see when thinking about trying to install the EBH on my own.

Danvers man killed while working underneath his car - SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

#2 I stopped by my Toyota dealer today to try and pitch them on promoting my Super Commuter Driving Instruction to their customers. The sales guy I had a good relationship with NO LONGER WORKS THERE! Rats, on to plan B!

cfg83 · 06-01-2009, 04:53 PM

Matt -

Yeah, I'm assuming that accident was caused using a jack. I would only get under a car if I used car ramps :

Blitz USA: Lifting Aids - Featuring the RhinoRamp and Roll Control

I live in earthquake country and my driveway is not flat. It has a shallow incline. Sooooooo, I'm not anxious to get under my car.

CarloSW2

Matt Herring · 06-01-2009, 05:33 PM

EBH ordered and should arrive in the next few days...next job is to figure out how to use from home as my parking lot configuration does not allow me to have access to outside outlet and closest parking spot to my apartment is approx. 60 feet away (and is on other side of road from my apartment).

Plugging in at work is entirely possible (and my boss also owns a Prius so hoping he will be excited for me to plug in at work)!

For those of you with EBH's...is it recommended to leave it plugged in while I'm at work (8-9 hours) or should I just plug it in a couple hours prior to driving?