Comments on: Better Gas Mileage in a Toyota Prius

By: matt b.

matt b. — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:55:23 +0000

johnE..in regards to the solar panel “i have it” it is for turning on your a/c on while out of your car. on a hot day turn your a/c/ a few degrees cooler than outside temp. before turning car off,hit switch on left side by your knee, turn car off. close door. get your key out of your pocket and hit the a/c button air will start circulating in car without car being on and does not use any power “other than solar”..enjoy, i am..

By: Lachlan

Lachlan — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:10:06 +0000

I bought a used 2008 Prius last December and less than a year later the inverter and transaxle assembly fried to the tune of… wait for it… $10,000 worth of damage (new parts/labor at the local dealership). Luckily they were able to find a used inverter/transaxle assembly with 60,000 miles and a 2 year warranty on it for… wait for it again… $5,000. OUCH! Prius repair costs are definitely something to think about before you dive head long into buying one. Now granted, I put a good 3000 miles a month on the car which just went past the 120,000 mile mark (I’m a pizza delivery driver), but I never drove it harshly or did any taboo hypermiling stuff (like throwing it into neutral at high speeds/downhill, etc.). I accelerate slowly, I use regenerative braking (coasting) almost all the time well in advance of stops, etc… I don’t know why this happened, but it sure was expensive to fix!! Funny thing is, I made a spreadsheet before I even bought the car to see how much money I would be saving over a 6 year span compared to driving my (now sold) 18mpg Toyota Tacoma, and even WITH this $5,000 repair and TWO $4,000 big battery replacements (which I figured may need to be done within these 6 years), I will still save a minimum of $18,000 over that timeframe driving the Prius instead of the Tacoma (and that’s if gas stays at $3 bucks a gallon)! So, all in all, I am STILL extremely pleased with my purchase. Oh and last winter BEFORE I put low-rolling resistance tires on it, I averaged 55mpg. Summer was only about 45mpg (I blame the A/C and TEXAS 100+ degree HEAT). This fall I’m averaging 50mpg, and hopefully when it gets colder, I’ll get 55 or better with the new tires. When the money saved in better mpg is enough to cover the monthly car payment, you KNOW you’ve made a good choice (just be prepared in advance for expensive repair possibilities because they hurt a lot less if you know they might be needed and are ready for them when they show up

By: Vicky

Vicky — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:09:13 +0000

Here is one of the links on “You Tube” that I spoke about previously. It shows you how to apply the pulse, glide, and braking techniques as well as a tip about using your heater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XxB6ma7qu8&feature=related

By: Keith Kacner

Keith Kacner — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:37:02 +0000

I own a 2009 Prius. I average 46MPG in the Winter & Summer. In the Spring & Fall I average 50MPG. I just ordered a 2012 and I’m looking forward to it. My wife has a new Prius V. With 8500 miles on it she gets around 44-46MPG. I expect this to improve once she learns how to drive it effectively. Love Prius!!!

By: Vicky

Vicky — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:29:52 +0000

I just purchased my 2012 Prius III 9 days ago. Thus far I've obtained an average of 40 MPG's, however I see that I have some practicing (glide, cruise, etc) to do. After watching the videos on you tube as well as reading the comments on this site I can't wait to test out what I learned when I get in my car tomorrow.

If you haven't viewed the videos on you tube do so, they have some great examples of what is discussed on this site where as you can actually see them performing the techniques. The videos also provide tips on how to use the heater. Unfortunately I don't know which one spoke about it, I watched so many but they were all interesting and again I learned a lot.

Ok I will continue to share my experiences as well as any information that may be helpful as I know everyone will do the same, so that we can obtain the best MPG's and driving experience from our "green machines"

By: Tess

Tess — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:32:26 +0000

Just bought a used 2010 Prius 2wks ago. Read all the posts here but still in the learning curve. Can’t seem to get beter than 5.5L/100km (43mpg). I’m a little unclear as to when to use the different modes and how often people switch back and forth? Are you constantly switching back and forth as you drive thru town, switching at hilly sections vs. flat? Should I start in EV mode? Should I avoid Power mode unless driving thru the mountains? Should I just leave it in ECO mode always? What’s best for commuting on the hwy at 100k/hr? I will definitely start working on my gliding and braking. Thanks for those tips, however please explain how to best use the modes. Also, would a remote engine starter be benefical on a Prius? Heat up the engine to avoid cold starts?

By: jimgiggidy

jimgiggidy — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:48:48 +0000

Lower octane gas burns at a lower temperature than higher octane gas. Low octane fuel burns easier. High octane gas is designed for engines with higher compression to reduce spark knock (or “pinging”) This is why it is used in performance applications. It does NOT increase your engine’s performance unless the engine needs the octane to prevent knocking and would otherwise electronically retard the ignition timing to prevent the knock, thus reducing performance. Higher octane gas burning in a low compression engine will not fully burn off as thorough and complete as lower octane gas.

By: red thriller jacket

red thriller jacket — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:00:12 +0000

That's sound cool man.

By: Paul Thailing

Paul Thailing — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:19:29 +0000

I believe what the article intended was to not worry about “fuel consumption”. It was not a lesson in physics. Yes, we all know that no more than equal energy can be regenerated down hill as used uphill. However, the downhill re-charges the battery. This “harnessed” energy can then be used later without comsuming more gas…

By: Vincent

Vincent — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:54:21 +0000

Strangely enough, I get the best milage in standard and not eco mode. Be aware of the traffic and glide as much as possible when you know you are going to have to stop. Also, watch your display and after speeding up to speed take your foot off the gas and reapply gently. Being smart about how you drive will get you better milage. I am getting 60 to 80 miles per gallon in my new Toyota Prius C. You just have to modify your driving a little and most of all, do not speed. Excessive speed kills good gas milage!