As the owner of a Lexus
hybrid vehicle, you naturally want to
achieve the best possible fuel economy.
However, like most drivers, you find that in
“real-world” driving, your fuel economy
ratings do not match the official EPA fuel
economy ratings. (Note: This situation is
true of both conventional and hybrid
vehicles.) This is because EPA ratings are
based on certain assumptions and criteria
that are not always or necessarily
consistent with everyday driving conditions.
They are, in fact, estimates attained
under ideal testing conditions (i.e., flat
roads, no extra weight or cargo, testing
speeds under 60 mph, etc.). In most cases,
your driving conditions involve a number of
“real-world” factors that can impact your
vehicle’s fuel economy.
1) Plan ahead to combine
short trips in order to minimize cold
starts.
2) Accelerate slowly.
3) Avoid heavy braking.
Monitor traffic to minimize braking and
coast whenever possible.
4) Avoid speeds in excess of
60 mph; fuel economy suffers at speeds
higher than 60 mph and drops significantly
above 70 mph.
5) In stop-and-go traffic,
accelerate to the desired level then lift
off the accelerator pedal allowing the
vehicle to run more on electric power.
6)Check tire pressure and
maintain it at the recommended pressure.
7) Avoid carrying
unnecessary loads; extra weight reduces fuel
economy.
8) Use the air conditioner
and defroster only as needed.
9) Do not operate the
vehicle in “PWR*” mode or “EV*” mode.
10) Drive in the "D"
transmission position for best fuel economy.
Only use the "S*" or “B*” transmission
ranges if needed to help maintain vehicle
speed when going down steep grades. In “S”
mode, the lower the range, the greater the
engine braking force.
