Improving Mileage

[Lil Lucas]

BEFORE you begin to insist that the gas economy of the Prius is waaaaay off what you've expected it to be so it isn't worth it...

CHECK your Prius stats with other Prius owners who are getting 48+ mpg

FIRST: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
"42/40 PSI (2.9/2.8 bar) is what many Prius owners recommend for optimum performance. For maximum performance, use a pressure of 44 PSI (3.0 bar). Whatever you decide, just remember that low pressure results in lower MPG drop and a shorter tire life. (john1701a.com)"

SECOND: CHECK ENGINE OIL VOLUME
You should ONLY have 5W-30 OIL up to FOUR liters ONLY.
"Overfilling This is an unfortunate reality. Too much oil causes MPG to be reduced. Way too much oil causes damage to the engine. So it is in your best interest to make sure the level never exceeds the "Full" marker on the dipstick. 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) is the maximum capacity. Oil pumped from bulk barrels into your engine is not always carefully measured, as it would be coming from a bottle instead. So make sure to check for yourself after an oil-change service is complete. If the level is beyond "Full", insist that they remove the excess. The ideal level is slightly below "Full", that's 1/4 inch (6 cm) lower.If you provide your own oil (which is common for those preferring synthetic), only supply the mechanic with about 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters). That will guarantee they won't overfill. Afterward, verify the level, topping off with the portion set aside if necessary. (john1701a.com)"

TEMPERATURE:
Keep in mind that colder temperatures churn out lower mpg. This is true for ANY car
The prime example is of John1701a's Prius that has been getting better mpg with the increasing temperatures. Go look at his graphs!

SO! Before you start claiming that Prius don't really make it up to par... You need to do some investigating with your own Prius and others'.

Good luck and I hope you get better MPG!

[Weili]

Thanks for the tips.

I've had my 2005 Prius for only a little over a month and I am getting disappointing MPG.

I ASSUMED that my tire pressure and engine oil volume would be in the ideal state as my car is nearly brand new. But I guess I should double-check them myself.

Thanks again.

[Hybridology]

My tires were actually severely overinflated... took me a few days to check it.