Fight the Cold! Or, How New England (Without Snow) Killed My MPG

[Sovereign]

Now, I'm new (to Boston). So I haven't experienced a real New England winter yet. Still, the cold weather has finally arrived. My fuel economy seems to have an inverse relationship with the temperature. Summer: 25-30MPG (depending). Now? Fighting for 20.

Can anyone else with a hybrid comment? Any "best practices" to fight cold-induced MPG drain on short trips through hilly terrain? Yes, I'm fully aware that's a trifecta of fail, but there's nothing I can do about it.

[FXSTi]

No hybrid here but this is my list:
1. Grill Block
2. Block Heater
3. Migrate South

Kirk

[jamesqf]

Check to see if your car automatically turns on the A/C when the defrost is on. If so, pull the fuse or something.

[NeilBlanchard]

Any aero improvements help even more in the winter, since cold air is denser than warmer air. And as already noted, warm up time is key -- grill blocks and block heaters and efficient trip planning, too. Drive the farthest destination first, and then make short hops after the car is warmed up on the way back.

[3-Wheeler]

Hi,

Coasting can be a secret tool used to get big MPG's.

I typically can raise my fuel economy from "only" 70mpg to close to 90mpg just by adding in some coasting on the way to work.

I have added a FAS (forced auto stall) system to my car, and I can say that it really helps.

Jim.

[NeilBlanchard]

Jim,

Do you "owe" us some new pictures? Your avatar looks really sweet.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Jim,

Do you "owe" us some new pictures? Your avatar looks really sweet.

Hi Neil,

I posted some new pictures here, late last fall....

https://picasaweb.google.com/threewh...tTailExtension

Check the last 14 pictures or so.

Jim.

[Daox]

The other's tips are good. Some additional hybrid info, if you have a Scangauge (and you should!) keep an eye on coolant temps. If your coolant temp drops too low (~155F I think) it won't engine off. This also means you must keep an eye on your heater usage.

[kurzer]

our prius has to go some 15km (9,3mls) usualy. it is possibil to hold the engines temperature all the way down, with the A/C. no chance to get hybrid stage 4, even after 6mls at 60mph.

but the car isn´t warme inside anyway. somewhat less target temperatur, and switching off the A/C if not neccecary, helps a lot. put some drying packs (from electronic stuff or paintballs f.i.) into the car, to keep the windows free.

a grill block is crucial. i prefer foam stripes and my numberplate is blocking a big part all seasons. but without a scangauge u are pretty much blind, at temperature managing.