|
| |
This section is applicable to hybrid vehicles only.
The main purpose of this section is to provide the following benefits to
drivers:
- To obtain maximum benefit from our clean hybrids in terms of greater
fuel economy and reduced pollution.
- To promote safe and considerate driving habits
- To extend the reliability and service life of your hybrid vehicle.
- To enable you to appreciate the "gauge-game" while being safer and more
thoughtful towards other drivers.
In addition to the contents of his section, we suggest that you review and
assimilate many of the recommendations in our
Xtreme-EcoDriving section.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Do not service your hybrid vehicle at your favorite shop or
mechanic. Instead take it the service department of a dealership of your
choice because only these have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and
service your hybrid correctly.
- Change your engine oil regularly as prescribed by the manufacturer.
Some hybrids have a maintenance minder gauge which tells when to change the
oil. Changing the oil at any other time is not advisable.
- Apply all software updates that available not only for the hybrid
specific components but also other supporting systems (safety, transmission,
etc). Only the dealerships can perform these critical updates
correctly.
- Do maintain a good state of charge for your main battery whenever
possible. At first this may be hard to do and the system will help.
With time you'll learn to capture energy through regeneration more
effectively thus improving your fuel mileage considerably.
- Please ensure that your tires are inflated to 2-4 PSI lower that the
maximum tire pressure rating for your tires.
- Perform a wheel alignment regularly or as soon as the vehicle tracks to
one side or you notice the tires wearing un-evenly.
- Change your engine air filter as per manufacturer's schedule (if
not sooner).
- Perform all necessary manufacturer recommended maintenance on your
vehicle as scheduled or required. Original manufacturer parts are
strongly recommended for optimal performance and reliability.
Vehicle Operation
- Use the air conditioner in the warmest days. Allow hot air to
escape the vehicle before starting it in a hot summer day.
- Minimize the use of high drain electrical accessories. Unnecessary
operation of fog lights and other high drain features (heated seats, high
powered audio units, etc) have a measurable impact in fuel economy.
- Avoid sudden or aggressive accelerations.
- Avoid sudden or aggressive decelerations.
- Train yourself to maintain a stead state speed whenever possible.
You vehicle's drive-by-wire throttle control is very precise so additional
benefits will result from proper use of the gas pedal
- Use cruise control when driving on flat terrain and at highway speeds.
- Avoid using regeneration unless it is absolutely necessary to stop or
slow down.
- Anticipate traffic events and coast your vehicle as often as possible.
- Avoid driving on Electric unless the distance traveled is long enough to
justify the use of the battery pack's state of charge.
- Avoid driving your vehicle with unnecessary loads
- Avoid using high octane fuels - gasolines with ethanol (5-10%) contain
less energy so they are not helpful in achieving maximum fuel economy for
hybrid vehicles.
- Avoid traveling above the speed limit. Whenever possible travel at
a slower safe speed.
- In the warmer summer days, keep you vehicle in a shaded area if
possible.
- Plug-in you vehicle's block heater whenever the temperatures are low.
For maximum fuel economy performance use your block heater in the colder
spring and autumn days.
- In extremely cold temperatures safely block the vehicle's front intake
in order to enable more frequent hybrid functions (such as EV mode, Regen
and Assist).
For additional details please consult our
Xtreme-EcoDriving section.
| |
|
![[Company Logo Image]](images/GreenDrivingTitle2.jpg)
