Tips for Economical Driving

Whether driving a gasoline-powered vehicle or an electric vehicle, here are some tips to help you get more miles on the road.
Let’s start with a definition:
“Fuel Range” or “Driving Range” is how far you can drive before the vehicle needs gasoline, or if you have an EV, before it needs to be recharged. The purpose of this video is to help you optimize the range of your Kia.
Your vehicle’s driving range depends mainly on your style of driving, where you drive and when you drive.
For optimum economy, drive smoothly, accelerating at a moderate rate, and don’t “ride” the brakes.
Rapid acceleration or “racing” between stoplights has a negative effect on economy.
Also, on the highway, keep you speed in check and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Try to adjust your speed to the traffic so you don’t have to change speed or use your brakes unnecessarily.
That’s where cruise control can help - it allows you to maintain a steady speed and minimizes the need to use your brakes, which can extend your driving range.
If you drive a gasoline-powered vehicle, try to avoid idling as excessive idling wastes fuel.
As I said, driving at a moderate speed is more efficient because the faster you drive, the more fuel - or electricity - your vehicle uses.
Studies have shown that moderation can increase your range by up to thirty percent on the highway… and five percent in the city.
Also, plan your trip - use the on-board navigation system (if equipped) or access navigation apps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This provides you with the optimum route with the fewest slow-downs.
Even though most Kia’s come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, be sure to take care of your tires and check them often to ensure they are inflated at the recommended tire pressure.
Under- and over-inflation can cause premature tire wear and negatively affect your overall economy.
The recommended tire pressures are listed inside the driver’s-side door jam.
Be sure your wheels are properly aligned…
And travel lightly, as weight also affects economy.
Keep the windows rolled up on the highway as open windows can reduce your overall economy.
And if you have roof racks, remove them when they are not in use, as they also affect economy.
It also helps to follow the recommended maintenance schedule and use the proper fluids.
On a gasoline-powered vehicle, replacing a clogged air filter or faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by up to forty percent.
Here are some additional tips to improve your DISTANCE TO EMPTY or RANGE on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles:
DISTANCE TO EMPTY that’s displayed on the instrument panel after completing a recharge may vary significantly depending on previous operating patterns. Distance to Empty depends on many factors, including the charge amount, weather, temperature, geography and driving style.
The more you drive your Kia EV or plug-in hybrid, the accuracy of Distance to Empty improves as the vehicle “learns” your driving patterns.
Be aware that operating the heater or the air conditioner can use additional electricity, thus reducing your driving range.
It’s recommended you set the cabin temperature to 72-degrees Fahrenheit, which will help you maintain optimum energy consumption.
Turn off the heater and air conditioner when they are not needed…
And consider using the “DRIVER ONLY” setting (if equipped).
Here are some additional Cold Weather Tips:
On an electric vehicle, energy consumption is higher in cold weather… so consider pre-scheduling heating while its still charging
(so the vehicle is heated to the optimum temperature )
That way, the vehicle is ready to go when you start driving.
Operate in WINTER MODE to increase the battery temperature during winter…
And be aware that the “Power limited” warning message,
may be displayed to help protect the vehicle when the outside temperature is low.
And the use of other electrical components, like the infotainment system, can effect on your driving range.