I know this topic has been touched on previously, but it deserves its own thread. Fact: My Japan-built TCH's fuel filler door does NOT open when the vehicle is in motion and the button on the dash is pushed. Do the USA-built models operate differently?

 

Yes, my US built TCH will allow the fuel door to open when the vehicle is in motion. I "tested" this right after I purchased my TCH while I was trying to find the ECO button for the A/C. The fuel door opened and my Multi-Function Display said Fuel Door Open until I could pull over and close it...

The lack of an interlock for the fuel door, on domestic models anyway, and the illogical location of the ECO button are two issues Toyota needs to address...

 

Hypermilers use this little trick all the time to increase their mileage.
When there is a tail wind, they open the fuel door and the air flow catches it and propels the car forward.
If there is a really strong tailwind, some will pop the trunk open and sail down the highway.

 

It is really shocking to hear what people do to get better mileage.....no wonder why people have such negative views about people that drive hybrids....

 

umm....he was joking.

 

man, I really hope he was....but I wouldn't be surprised to hear someone doing something that stupid.

 

ok that was funny.

 

LOL Yes, guilty as charged...I was joking.
Click my mileage link and see my stats, hover over each [more] to see some of the other things I've tried to improve my mileage (again, just kidding)

 

I think I need to rig a spinnaker through the sunroof

 

I tried that...it works pretty well but tacking on the freeway is a problem.