Hybrid vehicle driving tipsDriving
Hybrid vehicle driving tipsHybrid vehicle driving tipsFor economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:Using Eco drive modeWhen using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator pedal depression
amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition,
the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized,
improving the fuel economy. (Driving mode select switch)Use of Hybrid System IndicatorEco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System Indicator within the
Eco area. (Hybrid System Indicator)Shift lever operationShift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traffic,
etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using N, there is no positive effect
on fuel consumption. In N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operationDrive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration
and deceleration will make more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor)
without having to use gasoline engine power.Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction
battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery power can be restored
by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly released.When brakingMake sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.DelaysRepeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights, will
lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as
much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to
allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.Highway drivingControl and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll booth
or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently apply the brakes.
A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.Air conditioningUse the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce excessive gasoline
consumption.In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air mode. Doing
so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption
as well.In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it and
the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption
can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.Checking tire inflation pressureMake sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire inflation
pressure can cause poor fuel economy.Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads can
lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.LuggageCarrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying unnecessary
luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel economy.Warming up before drivingSince the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold, warming
up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short distances will cause
the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.