[Guest]

I am curious to know what things people are doing to tweak out extra mpg's, even if it's just in theory. I don't care if it's a small change or a large modification. For example I increased the tire pressure abit and place a curved license plate cover over my front plate. The idea does not have to be earth shattering or even work. Let's see how creative we are.

 

[Guest]

I also put a curved, clear license plate cover over the front plate. Just thinking to help with the drag factors.

Its also waxed to where the paint is smooth and slick feeling.

I have 45 front 43 rear cold tire pressure. This seems to be the magic numbers for me. Any higher and the car does not handle well at all. Rearend feels like it wants to fishtail. Any less tire pressure and I notice it on computers mileage. Ive been averaging 52-54 mpg this way.

Other then the above I just try to drive as conservative as possible, using everyones suggestions on how to drive.

I use the slow lane quite a bit and try not to be a nuisance to other traffic. But sometimes you have to just join in with the others and drive "normally ".

Otherwise just let the Prius do the rest, and do its job it was made for.

Happy Motoring.

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[Guest]

In no particular order (other than what I can remember):

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. (35psi Front, 33psi Rear, MINIMUM)

Have your car serviced according to schedule, and make sure your dealer uses 5W30 oil.

If you're carrying something in the car that you really don't need to, remove it. (the common example is the golf clubs in the trunk...) extra weight will reduce mileage.

Anticipate traffic. coast to a stop rather than suddenly slamming on your brakes when you meet up with the stopped traffic.

Stay within the posted speed limits. Particularly at highway/freeway speeds, going faster will increase your wind resistance, which means more work for your engine which equals lower MPG.

Roof rack or trunk rack for luggage/bicycles/skis: when not using it, remove it. If at all possible, put the mounted item in the car rather than mounting it outside. The added rack will add wind resistance (and also change your aerodynamics) and lower your MPG.

Clean the snow off of your car before you drive. Not only is the snow flying off of your car a nuisance/hazard to other drivers, but the snow changes the aerodynamics of the car (creating more wind resistance) and also adds weight to your car, lowering MPG.

Don't use high-octane fuel. Stick to the "regular" 87 octane that the Prius was designed for. Higher octane fuel is just more expensive, doesn't increase MPG (may even lower it due to less energy available in higher octane fuel), and has been known to give the Prius a check-engine light.

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