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Hey Everyone,

I bought a 2006 Toyota Prius Package #7 in November of 2009 and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I didn't do a lot of research on it before I bought it which really surprises me. For the first few months I would drive with the radio off so I could really know what was going on with the ICE and just really trying to get to know the car better.

I must say that ever since I bought this car, my driving habits have gone from completely reckless to very careful. Almost to the point where if my grandmother was sitting in the passenger seat, she would probably tell me to pick up the pace.

As far as my FE as a result of my new driving habits, it's not as high as I would like it to be. The ICE should be fully broken in by now (13,000 miles) but even when I'm really shooting for high numbers and feather footing it, I cant seem to break out of the lower 40's (hopefully I setup my sig correctly so you can see what I'm talking about).

That should suffice for my introduction for now. Hopefully everyone doesn't get the impression that I'm complaining about my FE, because that's definitely not the case.

Oh and this is my first post on any forum ever. I'm thinking I should change my user title from Junior Member to Newb.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

Welcome to CleanMPG!

A year from now you will probably be learning more things from your Prius, although letting the MFD teach you is an excellent start. Since you started in the wintertime, you have taken a hit, so don't be suprized if around May you get 50mpg tanks.

Thanks Chuck,

Now you really have me stoked for Spring. I was going to try my hand at P&Ging on my way to work tomorrow but maybe I should continue to let my car teach me what it want to do for a few more weeks. Plus the people who drive up here aren't the friendly type so I would most likely get a few half full Dunkin Donuts cups thrown at me for even attempting.

Hypermiling is not only technique, but resisting traffic intimidation - pretend you are Tom Brady.

What did I mean?

Brady keeps his composure while three linemen @ 300lbs each try to flatten him and he completes the pass to Welker anyway. After awhile you avoid letting most tailgaters get under you skin - similar mindset. ;)

I can go slower than traffic (to an extent) by hugging the right lane, flashing briefly the emergencies as potential tailgaters close in....got to keep an eye on the rear-view mirror.

Regardless of negative media pieces on hypermiling, it's really advanced defensive driving knowing what other drivers do, the road, the dash in that order - obviously not boring. I you are that focused, you can generally let others get by easily, although a few hot heads will honk for the heck of it.

It depends, but most of the time you can go 10mph under the pack speed and not get others hissed off if you do it right.

I can't thank you enough Chuck. I had never heard about the flashers before but I can totally see that as a viable means of letting people know what your intentions are. I'll try that out tomorrow and see what happens.

Have a great night everyone.

I generally do a flash or two as opposed to a constant flash - enough to get cell phone drivers and others to pay attention. Win-win situation.

Tons of technical info here, but there is a lot of driving psychology...and yes I get steamed at what others do on the road.

...Hopefully everyone doesn't get the impression that I'm complaining about my FE, because that's definitely not the case...

I'm almost always dissatisfied with my fuel economy. This is the best place to improve it. I know when I hit 50mpg on a regular basis I'll be happy for a week or two and I'll be looking for 55 soon. The journey is the destination. It never stops, but once you reach a peak you never want to drop below your achievements.

Welcome to www.cleanmpg.com Glad to have you here. Only 13,000 miles on a 2006. Wow! You have a great car for hypermiling. Enjoy it. - Dale (I wish I had a Prius with 13,000 miles) :D

I'm still amazed at the fact that I even bought a Prius. The low mileage makes it so much better considering the other two cars I've owned were bought with 150K+ miles on the clock.

Thanks for making me feel welcome. I look forward to improving my FE with everyone's advice and maybe someday I'll be able to give advice (that's a scary thought) from what I've learned.

What psi are you running? Going from placard or below up toward max sidewall helps alot.

Within limits, it is less important how fast you accelerate than what you do with that momentum once at speed. In other words, minimize use of brakes. This is known here as DWB.

Be sure to read and reread the hows and whys article and the Prius II article, both by xcel.

And welcome to CleanMPG! Spring and driver re-education should have your tanks in the 50's real soon. Good luck.

It's definitely nice to see another local join. Welcome to the forums. Like everyone has said, you will learn a lot from this site.

Hey Chalupa are you on the western or eastern side Springfield, MA?

About 20 mins east living in Monson.

Nice. I know exactly where Monson is located. Do you by any chance know if there are any Hybrid/Hypermiling meets locally. I've always gone to club meets with my other cars but never any with my Prius.

We had one organized by insightcentral.net in Oct, which was a blast. There should be another meetup this spring/summer.