Off-topic chat thread

[Draigflag]

Not bad figures for a gasoline powered car. I'll be trying mine out on the highway, long distance, this weekend for pretty much the first time since I bought it. Been a while since I've driven a petrol car at highway speeds, hope the fuel consumption isn't too bad. Will probably stick at 80 as I want to make good time.

[JockoT]

80. Does Wales have relaxed speed limits or was that a typo?

[Draigflag]

Nah I'm driving across England on the motorway, official limit is 70 I believe, however most drive at 80, and the Police allow 10% + 2 Mph (78) anyway.

[JockoT]

I'm a great believer in the 10% as well.

[LDB]

So what was the calculated mpg on the slower return trip? I think you said something like 39.2 on the going leg but didn't go back to double check.

[cuts_off_prius]

Originally Posted by LDB

So what was the calculated mpg on the slower return trip? I think you said something like 39.2 on the going leg but didn't go back to double check.

The return trip wasn't necessarily slower, I just started out with the slower portion first, as opposed to the slower portion last on the toward trip. About a third into the drive, I topped off at 219 miles it was calculated at 38.7 MPG while the OBC read 40.2, according to the pic I snapped that I just looked at. I'm still on the second tank used on the trip as we speak. This trip overall was slightly faster than my toward trip because I was keeping up with my brother and the first tank definitely involved more hilly Southern Interstates, as opposed to more flat Illinois Interstates more north so it evens out.

[Draigflag]

Decided against the motorway route, instead I stuck to rural roads. Horrible journey which took 4.5 hours, usually less than 3.5. Lots of slow tourists, caravans, holiday traffic and a town carnival.

As you can see the stop start feature saved wasted fuel from idling in traffic for a total of 26 minutes and 26 seconds. A worthy feature in any car. Actual MPG would be about 42 UK V's the 45.5 displayed.

[Draigflag]

Ok quick question rather than start a new topic. Occasionally, perhaps about 8 times since I had my car, upon start up in the morning, it will go into a fast/loud idle. The symptoms are: very loud exhaust, as if I fitted a straight through system, high rpm about 1500, and cute backfires if you give the engine even a small rev. I also noticed the dump valve staying open longer resulting in a long hiss after revving.

So what causes this? And is there a reason to be concerned? Is it common with high performance engines? Seems to be no particular factors that affect when it occurs, outside temperature, fuel type, what I had for breakfast blah blah.

[JockoT]

I would be inclined to discuss it with the dealership from whom you bought the vehicle.

[Draigflag]

I would, but need to know if it's considered normal first. I've had cars go into fast/cold idle before, but it's never been as obvious or apparent as in this one.