New HAH owner - GreenHybrid

mfj731 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 12:20 PM

Hi one and all, new guy on the block!
I have a couple of questions that maybe some of you can help me with, but first, a big thank you for the tips I've read about already in this forum. I've gone just 1200 miles and was disappointed not to see mpg in the 30's by now but some of the threads told me to relax!!! I should be seeing it start to creep up soon.

OK, when I bought this car, the salesman said that I should leave the Traction Control System (TCS) on all the time. Where I am here in CA, not many dirt roads, gravel or ice so is this a good idea?

Question #2- When the engine is at cruising speed, how do I tell if the 3 cylinders and valves have shut down? Is there any kind of signal, lamp or ????

Thanks in advance. This car is a blast to drive....

Mike

seanj_tx · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 06:30 PM

Welcome aboard!

I have no opinion on the traction control. Mine kicked in once when I was turning a wet corner and had to step on the gas a bit due to traffic. I don't think having it on hurts performance or economy in any way.

Perhaps more so than the other hybrids due to the power, the HAH reward a light foot. When I'm using that V6 power (or, more often, the wife is

), we see mid to high 20's. With a light foot I get high 30's to just above 40.

As for running on only 3 cylinders, that is known as Eco mode. There is a green (of course

) light that says ECO that will turn on. This is the key to great mileage on the highway. When I drove my car from the dealer in Shreveport, LA to D-FW, Texas I got about 36 MPG at between 75 and 80 using Eco mode. I am about to take a 1500 mile round trip, so I'm hoping for even better this time.

lakedude · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 06:31 PM

On a powerful car like yours (or my Vette) traction control is a very good idea. It doesn't hurt anything to leave it on, it is just there when you need it. Everytime I turn it off in my Vette I swear I'll never do it again. Traction control is like anti lock brakes used to prevent wheel spin. Basically it keeps you from burning rubber. If you wanna burn rubber turn it off!

ericbecky · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 07:22 PM

Welcome to GreenHybrid. Glad to hear that you have found GH helpful. I can't comment on the TCS.