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Kia Optima Real World MPG

211 messages,  Last post on Dec 31, 2012 at 8:05 PM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan

Messages Page 22 of 22

#208 of 211 My SX is broken in... by lakerfan24

Dec 30, 2012 (11:32 pm)

Hey guys, I've got about 7,000 miles on my 2012 Turbo SX and I recently averaged about 24.5 mpg (Eco on) on a tank that I got stuck in traffic with. I had to drop my son off at the local K-Mart to meet other Cub Scouts who were going on a weekend trip. The usual 8 minute drive took 2 and a half hours due to an overturned truck on the Fwy. So I was happy with the 24.5 mpg. Later on, my tire pressure light came on and I discovered that all 4 tires were evenly low on air. Off the top of my head, I think the max pressure on my tires were 48-49 psi max. I filled them up to about 38-39 psi and averaged 29 mpg on my next tank. I drive about 65% Hwy and 35% City. I live at the top of a hill and my Fwy routes have ups and downs. Oh, and YES, I do occasionally open up that Turbo

#209 of 211 Re: My SX is broken in... [lakerfan24] by cski

Dec 31, 2012 (6:11 pm)

Replying to: lakerfan24 (Dec 30, 2012 11:32 pm)
Great. I get 24.2-24.8 consistently. I have the 2.4, but both engines have similar figures.
 
I am guessing that there was a sudden cold snap where you live and that dropped the tire pressure.
 
It's normal in my hypothetical condition.
 
Happy New Year

#210 of 211 Re: My SX is broken in... [cski] by lakerfan24

Dec 31, 2012 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: cski (Dec 31, 2012 6:11 pm)
It's cold here now, but it wasn't really when it happened. I think cuz I don't drive it all the time and it sometimes sit for a week or so without driving it can cause the pressure to lower.
 
I got it Nov 2011 and it's under 7,000 miles now. I think it has to do with the way you drive too. If I'm NOT driving stop light to stop light, I like to work thru to gears quickly and when I hit about 42-43 mph, I put it into 6th gear and ease off the gas. If going onto the Hwy, I would do the same but would get up to my cruising speed or the flow of traffic and then back off the gas...

#211 of 211 Re: Gas engine sedan mpg discussion [cski] by backy

Dec 31, 2012 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: cski (Dec 30, 2012 5:45 pm)
You have to understand that it is not the speed causing the plummeting MPG. It is air resistance.

And the increased air resistance is due to... what, exactly?
 
I tried to find a route that existed in a total vacuum, but then realized the engine needs air to operate, so I scratched that idea.

Messages Page 22 of 22

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