Kia Optima: Suggestions for Economical Operation

Your vehicle’s fuel economy depends mainly on your style of driving, where you drive and when you drive.

Each of these factors affects how many miles (kilometers) you can get from a gallon (liter) of fuel. To operate your vehicle as economically as possible, use the following driving suggestions to help save money in both fuel and repairs:

• Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving. Remember, engine warm-up may take a little longer on cold days.
• Save fuel by accelerating slowly after stopping.
• Keep the engine in tune and follow the recommended periodic maintenance schedule. This will increase the life of all parts and lower your operating costs.
• Do not use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
• Slow down when driving on rough roads.
• For longer tire life and better fuel economy, always keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden stops. This will reduce wear on brake linings and pads. Driving in such a way will also save fuel because extra fuel is required to accelerate back to driving speed.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in the vehicle.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause needless wear, possible damage to the brakes, and poor fuel economy.
• Improper wheel alignment results in faster tire wear and lower fuel economy.
• Open windows at high speeds can reduce fuel economy.
• Fuel economy is less in crosswinds and headwinds. To help offset some of this loss, slow down when driving in these conditions.

Keeping a vehicle in good operating condition is important both for economy and safety. Therefore, have an authorized Kia dealer perform scheduled inspections and maintenance.

WARNING - Engine off During Motion

Never turn the engine off while the vehicle is in motion. The power steering and power brakes will not work with the engine off. Instead of coasting downhill with the engine off, downshift to an appropriate gear for engine braking effect.