CARS

[xoxoxoBruce]

Everybody uses Moly coated rings now. They're seated before it gets out the factory door. The mileage improves because all the things that move, driveline, undriven wheels, steering, brakes and such, get all the rough edges and high spots smoothed out so there's less resistance. Also the fuzzy logic of the onboard computers increase their knowlege of your quirks and style so the car gets better at anticipating your next move. The less corrections it has to make the better the mileage will be.

I'm wondering how long the Prius takes to warm up? Modern cars are designed to heat up as rapidly as possible to reduce emissions and improve mileage and driveability. I'm sure when they designed the Prius that was factored in to the Nth degree, just because of what it is. You might have the dealer check the emissions system and how long it takes to go from open loop to closed loop operation. It could be something as simple as a stuck thermostat.