SQUEEZING THE MOST MILES OUT OF EVERY GALLON
It’s a harsh reality: well over three dollars for a gallon of regular, 87-octane gasoline. And if history is any indication, the trend in gas prices will forever continue upward. It’s enough to make a grown man walk.
Yet by selecting a Kia, you chose a vehicle that offers excellent fuel economy—nine of our ten models get 25 MPG or more on the highway. Even so, there are a few simple actions that can make a noticeable improvement in your Kia’s already excellent gas mileage.
HOW YOU DRIVE
According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, by driving sensibly you can improve your Kia’s fuel economy by 5 to as much as 33 percent. Here’s how:
The Turtle, Not the Rabbit
Hard acceleration consumes prodigious quantities of gas, and is hard on the engine, transmission, and tires. A light foot on the gas pedal will make a big difference. Observe what’s going on up ahead and anticipate; if you see a traffic signal turn red, back off the throttle and let your car gradually slow down rather than wait until the last second to slam on the brakes. This improves your gas mileage and your Kia’s brakes will last a lot longer. Your passengers may also thank you.
Be Especially Idle
If you are stuck at a railroad crossing counting the minutes as an endless freight train creeps by, shut off your engine. A car gets precisely zero miles per gallon when idling, and it’s easier on the vehicle and more economical to shut off the engine rather than let it idle for an extended period. There’s a myth that says it takes more gas to start your car than it does to idle for a few minutes. That is only a myth.
Cruise Control
Use cruise control whenever possible during highway driving. No matter how smooth a driver you think you are, the cruise control is better. Independent tests have shown highway gas mileage improvements of up to 14-percent by using cruise control.
No Need To Speed
If you are really concerned about maximizing your highway gas mileage (and driving safely), don’t exceed the posted speed limits. According to DOE and EPA data, your highway gas mileage drops 2 to 3 MPG for every 5 mile-per-hour increase in speed over 60.
Lose Some Weight
Don’t carry more dead weight in your Kia than you need to. The DOE and EPA say that every 100-pounds of extra weight in the trunk or cargo area exacts a fuel economy penalty of up to 2 percent.
MAINTAIN YOUR KIA
Keep your Kia maintained according to the factory recommendations. Change your oil and oil filter at the appropriate intervals, and keep your vehicle tuned-up: a properly tuned engine can give up to 4 percent better gas mileage. Proper tire inflation and wheel alignment can add as much as 3 percent to your Kia’s fuel economy. Check and replace the engine air filter regularly—a dirty and clogged air filter can affect fuel economy by as much as 10-percent. All of these small percentages add up.
High gas prices are not going away, but you may be able to spend a lot less by changing your driving habits. While your results may vary, if you follow the tips we’ve offered you will pay less of your hard-earned money for fill-ups, and you may just reap some unexpected bonuses like lower repair and replacement costs for brakes and tires. What’s to lose? Give it a go.
Check www.fueleconomy.gov for even more tips and information. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for all 2007 Kias can be found at kia.com under the “SPECIFICATIONS” tab. Actual mileages may vary . To save money on your routine maintenance, use the coupons under Special Offers.
