Hybrids and poor fuel economy? The driver is key.

Why are there hybrid owners who complain about their car's poor fuel economy? Could it be that their car has a problem or could if be that the car's manufacturer lied about its fuel economy potential?

First of all, let's tackle a few misconceptions first.

The EPA and NR-CAN fuel economy numbers

The car manufacturers are only allowed to advertise a vehicle's fuel economy based on what the designated government agency determines is an achievable mileage potential. In the United States, the EPA provides the MPG numbers. In Canada, the NR-CAN performs this duty as well, and other countries have their own regulating agency that perform a similar role.

Agencies like the EPA and NR-CAN have devised a testing protocol that may reflect an interpretation of what a typical driving routine looks like. This may include test sequences that resemble city and highway driving as well as different ambient temperatures.
Furthermore, all vehicles are tested with the same protocol regardless of class and all this testing does is establish a common baseline that enables us to measure one car's fuel economy potential relative to another under the same testing scenarios. Nothing more, nothing less.

So, do car manufacturers mis-represent the fuel economy potential on the sale sticker of a vehicle?
Definitely NOT.

Now that we got this very important truth back into focus we'll move on to the other issues.

Mechanic or electronic issues with the car .
It is conceivable that the car may have developed a problem that is contributing to lower fuel economy. While this is not common, it has happened enough times to make the following areas worth investigating:

1. Wrong engine oil grade or wrong amount. Higher viscosity oil or too much oil in the crankcase will decimate your fuel economy.
   
2. Incorrect tires. If your tires are not LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) rated like the OEM tires your car came with, then you will get severely lower fuel economy.
   
3. Poor tire inflation (Always press tires up to the max sidewall pressure. The placard pressure is the MINIMUM safe pressure). Properly press tires are safer, cooler, provide better fuel economy and last longer. Blowouts and other catastrophic tire failures only occur due to lower pressures which cause higher friction, more heat due to tire hysteresis, and physical damage when hitting potholes.
   
4. Poor wheel alignment (Check regularly especially after a light accident or hitting a pot hole)
5. Failed electrical sub-system (i.e: power steering, climate control, etc) or device (relay, solenoid, etc)
6. Fuel with lower energy. Winter gas formulation and gas blended with ethanol will produce poorer fuel economy.
   

Dealer expertise.

Any dealer will easily diagnose any of the above with basic common sense and some level of expertize. If you feel your dealer is not up to the task please visit another dealer and compare the service and advice they provide. Remember, the dealer should never, ever, contradict the advice offered by the user's owner manual. If they do, then RUN away from them and report such dealers to the automaker's corporate office in your region or country.


The impact weather and ambient temperatures in fuel economy

• Wind, rain and snow will increase the drag on the vehicle while in motion. Any added drag will require more fuel in order to maintain a steady speed.
• Cold temperatures will force the gas engine to run longer and more aggressively which leads to greater consumption of fuel.
• Hot temperatures will also cause fuel economy losses. The use of air conditioning will lead to the consumption of extra energy which in the case of hybrids comes from nowhere else but the gasoline the gas engine consumes. Where do you thing the energy in the battery pack came from? ;)
  

The Driver and his/her role in the fuel economy

...Ah, the driver !!

Yes, the driver is often the single most important factor in achieving good fuel economy. Yet, many hybrid owners do not believe so! Why?
Let's look at some of the explanations many drivers have offered over the years:

Typical list of excuses

• I paid extra for this hybrid therefore I expect all this high tech to perform.
• The Automaker said I would get 50 MPG, therefore I should be able to get it.
• They say hybrids are great at saving fuel that is why I bought one.
• I needed to save time in my commute so I bought my hybrid for HOV use.
• You got to keep with the speeding traffic, if you don't then you are an obstacle and a hazard to others.
  

So, what is the key to good fuel economy in my hybrid? Here are the golden rules:

1. Slow down! The posted speed limit is the MAXIMUM speed limit you can (not should) drive at in the best conditions possible. Remember any speeds above 60 MPH (100km/h) will contribute to significantly lower fuel economy. The best speeds are 80-90 km/h (50-55 MPH) and this is true for any car.
   
2. Coast and glide as much as possible and avoid sudden stops. When you are coasting or gliding you are covering the distance without any fuel use. Sudden stops will cause the hydraulic friction brakes to be used and this is not ideal at all.
3. Accelerate slowly and keep the gas engine's RPM to a minimum. Remember, there has never been a legal requirement to accelerate as if life was a drag race.
4. Avoid driving in electric unless your state of charge allows for that. Remember, that the energy you stored in the battery pack is very expensive and should be preserved for the worse possible moments like bumper to bumper traffic or AC use.
5. Be considerate to other drivers and drive slower on the right most lane. Signal your intentions and to not engage in retaliatory/aggressive driving. This will allow you to preempt other drivers as well as anticipate events on the road ahead. For example, watch for traffic lights ahead that are turning red and glide to the stop whenever possible. If others cut in front of you then let them. Ignore the sounds and gestures of other drivers if you know they would not do that when a road examiner or police officer is driving with them.
6. Finally, combine your trips. A cold engine will typically consume more fuel and if you can do all your errands in a single drive then you will take advantage of a warmer and more efficient engine.
7. Finally, visit www. cleanmpg.com for great advice. Hypermiling will turn you into a better and safer driver. It also does not hurt if you save more money in the process, does it? ;)

Good luck