Mileage enhancements?

[mar57718]

I am the new owner of an '09 Hybrid (less than 3 months). I am wondering what kind of upgrades are available for boosting the performance, mind you not speed performance but mileage performance of this car? I have always been a faithful K&N user, but do these help Hybrids? How about a cold air intake? Can these cars be chiped, with say an economy chip as opposed to a hot rod chip? what is the best tire pressure for maximizing mileage in these? Any other tips you experienced hybrid drivers are doing to maximize mileage would be appreciated!
Thanks for an awesome forum, Mike

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by mar57718

I am the new owner of an '09 Hybrid (less than 3 months). I am wondering what kind of upgrades are available for boosting the performance, mind you not speed performance but mileage performance of this car? I have always been a faithful K&N user, but do these help Hybrids? How about a cold air intake? Can these cars be chiped, with say an economy chip as opposed to a hot rod chip? what is the best tire pressure for maximizing mileage in these? Any other tips you experienced hybrid drivers are doing to maximize mileage would be appreciated!
Thanks for an awesome forum, Mike

• K&N - Will help the engine ingest more dirt. Not that big a deal unless you live on a dusty road. Performance-wise, no advantage over a clean stock filter.
• CAI - seeing the TCH gets its intake air over the top of the radiator, just behind the grille, unlikely to do anything but increase noise level. And with an engine note like asthmatic cow, would that really be a good thing?
• As to 'chips' - this version of the ECU allows soft loads, but nobody seems to have come up with an update for the TCH. Seems like an opportunity, but would require breaking the Toyota 'anti-hacking measures'
• Tire pressures in the 38-45 range seem to be a good compromise between somewhat improved FE and traction.
• 0W20 synthetic is the best choice for FE and ICE on/off transition smoothness.
• Plug-in engine heater ( biggest benefit in cold-weather) will improve FE for drives < 20 miles.
• Keep the wheels aligned, stick with Low Rolling Resistance tires. Stay away from oversize wheels and performance-oriented tires - very few of those qualify as LRR.
• Otherwise, drive easy, anticipate stops, and keep A/C use to only when REALLY necessary.

[honest_abe]

Check the greenhybrid site. Someone is having an auxiliary battery pack installed by a company that does it for the Prius. You recharge auxiliary at home and not from the engine.

[mar57718]

Thanks for the replies, keep'em coming. Those are some good tips there, thank you. Mike

[GvilleTCH]

With 65k+ miles , my best mileage is controlled by my right foot. Drive no more that the posted speed limit and the TCH delivers great MPG.

Tire pressure ; 0-20 syn oil and watching/using the ECO button are the decisions I make to get the best mileage , beyond how you drive your TCH...