Hybrid System - Fuel Efficiency Tips, Troubleshooting Procedure: Overview

NUMBER 060

GROUP General

DATE November 2012

MODEL Optima (TFH)

SUBJECT: HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

The Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) offers customers the potential of excellent fuel economy. However, because some customers may not be achieving the published EPA-rated city/highway numbers, they may bring a vehicle to a dealerships service department. The following information is provided so that the service department will be well informed to answer the customers concern and, if necessary, to troubleshoot the vehicle.

Remember, EPA (window label) fuel economy estimates are not guarantees by manufacturers. Rather, they are intended to be used for comparison between different vehicles. Here is what the EPA says about these numbers:

The fuel economy ratings are an estimate.

The purpose of the fuel economy ratings is to provide consumers with estimates to use in comparing the gas mileage of different vehicles. It is not meant as a guarantee of the gas mileage each driver will achieve. Since no test can simulate all the possible conditions that affect fuel economy, such as climate, driver behavior, road condition, and car care habits, your actual mileage will always vary some from the estimates.

(Source: US EPA,

http://publicaccess.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23012/
Article/16056/Why-is-my-gas-mileage-lower-than-the-EPA-rating-What-
are-the-factors-thataffect-fuel-economy-And-how-do-you-determine-
your-vehicle-s-fuel-economy))

The EPA emphasizes that real world vehicle mileage will depend on numerous factors, and some critical ones can be controlled by the customer. Here is what the EPA says about these factors:

Factors that affect Fuel Economy.

It is essential that EPA's fuel economy estimates continue to be derived from controlled, repeatable laboratory tests to enable a standardized or "level playing field," comparison between all vehicle models. Although EPA's fuel economy tests are designed to reflect typical driving conditions and driver behavior, several factors can significantly affect how many miles per gallon (MPG) your car gets: how and where you drive; vehicle condition and maintenance; fuel variations; vehicle variations; and engine break-in (this is described on Many Factors Affect MPG page): http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml. Because some vehicles are more sensitive to these factors than others, the impact of the changes will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The nature of current hybrid technology -- the addition of a battery as a second source of on-board power, sophisticated control systems, and sometimes a smaller engine -- makes a hybrid's fuel economy more sensitive to certain factors, such as colder weather and air conditioning use.

(Source: US EPA,

http://publicaccess.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23012/
Article/16056/Why-is-my-gas-mileage-lower-than-the-EPA-rating-What-
are-the-factors-thataffect-fuel-economy-And-how-do-you-determine
-your-vehicle-s-fuel-economy))