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Driving a Hybrid

Here are my observations after 15 months of driving a 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid - I have put 30K miles so far. Ya - I like to drive a lot!
The IP computer is useless. It is overly optimistic in what it reflects is the MPG on the car, which I think is a borderline criminal misrepresentation of reality.

I think its done to make the owner feel really cool about getting as much as 36 MPG. What I observed is the real world MPG is approx 12% lower from displayed.
Most commonly observed real value is 31.5 MPG on my car.

Also on the subject of filling gas in the tank - the car when filled after a long drive will not top off since the fluid in the lines connecting the gas tank to the engine are charged with a back pressure (my limited research suggests this is the case - if anyone reading seems to know a better explanation please feel free to pontificate or rather 'nissanicate' - since this is not a Pontiac eh). It cuts of with approx 2G to spare.
Let it rest if possible for 15 min before fill up and then it tops off just fine.

Also on the subject of which engine oil to use - the dealer community (after talking to 10 dealers across the state) is a bunch of half brained and half trained monkeys - they will tell you answers ranging from you should use all Synth to you can use a blend to use any old oil.
Frankly after reviewing the cost of synth I switched to 5w20. It runs fine.

The mechanical stress on the engine parts is less if not the same as a regular IC engine and so the oil is doing what it normally does - keeping the internal friction down. Synth will last longer but to me its not worth it.
Respectfully submitted - NAH lover!

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