The following helps to improve fuel consumption:
- There is no need to wait for your engine to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive immediately after starting.
- Your fuel consumption should improve throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
- Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
- Moderate braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the energy captured by the regenerative braking system.
- Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
- Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
- Driving on flat terrain.
- Drive at reasonable speeds and observe posted speed limits.
- Shut all windows when driving at high speeds.
- Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
- Drive with the tonneau cover installed if your vehicle comes with one.
- Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
- Use the recommended engine oil.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and carry out the recommended checks.
- Perform all scheduled maintenance.
Note:
Having your engine running is not always an indication of inefficiency. In some cases, it is actually more efficient than driving in electric mode.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel consumption:
- Revving the engine.
- Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy required to move your vehicle.
- Driving in lower temperatures during the first
5–10 mi (12–16 km) of driving.
- Idle for periods longer than one minute.
- Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
- Adding certain accessories to your vehicle like bug deflectors, rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski racks or luggage racks.
- Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
- Using fuel blended with alcohol.
- Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
- Driving with the wheels out of alignment.