Ryan Goodlett

Could be signs that the steering has an issue. While driving, my car is just fine. However sometimes when I first start the car in the morning and pull out of my neighborhood to the red light waiting for it to turn, I can feel a slight pulsation in the wheel. Some might call it a shimmy. I would say I can feel the pulse of the PS steering pump. Never notice it anytime else. I don't have any issues with it being hard to turn either.

Sounds like you are adjusting to the hybrids driving style quickly.

My experience with both my radar detector (hard wired into the 12v cigarette system next to USB plugs) and my phone charger (in the same plug) both turn off after a bit. My radar detector turns itself on every time I start my car. I don't have any experience with the one under the front dash.

Not normally my source of information, but the difference is fairly well written and described at the beginning of this Wiki page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking

The parking brake sounds like a possible cause. If it is engaged just a hair the chime could go off but with out a light. The switch could be right on the fringe of engaging.

Preignition is different than knocking.

I don't know if you are right or wrong, but my hunch is that the 87 is there for a reason. Think of octane as the resistance to pre-ignite the fuel (no spark needed like a diesel) You want the spark plug to ignite the fuel at the precise timing the engine requires (control the combustion). With 93 the timing will be reduced and with 85 the timing advanced. With advanced timing you run lean and 85 rich. You end up with spark knock and the like running 85. In the end I see 87 as the preverbal sweet spot for our engine.

No. I am letting the SOC get up to the top and using the ICE only.

Great thread. I have been doing this for the past few days and have been getting great mileage. Got 48.7 this morning on a 11 mile trip to work in Houston traffic.

Maybe I am misreading this. Are you saying our cooled seats come form the A/C air flowing out of the rear ducts?

Frank QC....that may be the best response to a question that I have seen in a long time. Thanks for taking the time to tell about your experience. That's what forums are all about!!!!

I have it on the list. Right now I am researching different tints and brands specifically for the Houston weather.

I ended up going with the Ace Alloy 20 x 8.5 in hyper silver. Had them on for a few weeks and I am very happy. The only thing that I had issues with were lug nuts. These wheels required new lug nuts all the way around because the hole is too small. Got the Gorilla spline locks.