Calling all Prius Drivers! Need Advice
I drive a 2008 Prius and have really been struggling lately even getting the EPA 46 mpg. Granted it has really been a hot summer in Ca so having to crank AC all the time hasn't helped.
What do you do that has helped you achieve the best MPG. Any favorite technique or modification you utilize? I already have LLR tires and check them regularly. I stay on top of maintenance as well. I drive very conservatively and use an Ultragauge. Thanks for help! |
I don't own a Prius but have driven one pretty extensively.
-What's your mix of city and highway? -What speed do you drive at? 30mph is probably where you'll get the best economy, and it drops sharply above 60-65. -What tire pressure? I run ~50 in my Insight. |
Sounds good to me. In AZ heat with full A/C use, 42 is a challenge.
|
That sounds like normal mileage with high AC use.
https://priuschat.com/threads/how-to...a-c-use.97814/ https://priuschat.com/threads/ac-com...-on-mpg.95749/ The INL found that AC on max with full blower drops mpg from 52.7 to 41.3. https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/fi...hevamerica.pdf My guess is most cars take a big mpg hit with the AC on high though, so you're still probably coming out on top overall. Offhand I think parking in shade, using a sun shade (ideally on the outside, but you'll probably get weird looks), and cracking the windows will help, as will window tinting. |
Quote:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml 2008 EPA tests are much more representative of real-world than the fluffy numbers pre-2008. |
How long are your trips? Warm up will hurt you even if it's hot out and having to cool the cabin multiple times/for a short drive doesn't help either. I usually use auto AC and set the temp in the mid-upper 70s. Shorter trips take a hit, but long trips use similar amounts of fuel as not using the AC.
For driving technique, I usually accelerate briskly (usually about as fast as regular traffic) and P&G under 40MPH where possible. At higher speeds I just use cruise most of the time. I get right around 50MPG with cruise at 70-75MPH with auto AC. If I'm going 80 it'll dip down to the mid-40s (not that an ecomodder would ever drive those speeds...). |
Quote:
"Beginning with 2008 models, three additional tests are used to adjust the city and highway estimates to account for higher speeds, air conditioning use, and colder temperatures." Example: 2007 Prius: Pre-2008: 60/51/55 (city, hwy, combined) - numbers that few achieve 2008+: 48/45/46 - numbers that are readily achieved via "normal" driving |
Quote:
Your understanding of the EPA tests as expressed in your original post on the subject is clearly outdated. Updated EPA testing includes sustained driving at 65mph with bursts as high as 80mph not the 55 with bursts to 65 you stated. It's as simple as that. You've been given the correct information. Ignore it and cling to your outdated beliefs if you choose. I'm not going to argue with a wall anymore. |
Quote:
I'd say most of my driving happens at speeds around 40-55mpg. Yeah I'm running my tires at 50psi right now. |
Quote:
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:57 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com