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One disadvantage of this PHEV technology already. The fact that you drive much less frequently to the gas station, controls much less often the air pressure. Or the engine oil. Both processes are among the basics of motorists.
Small check at the gas station
Check air pressure, oil level and mop water on the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid.
With the change from winter tires to summer tires, the question of air pressure came up again. And it was noticed: we didn't even check the air pressure of the winter wheels all winter. And that's when we noticed: the engine oil level wasn't either. These were processes that are done automatically with other test vehicles. This is done when refueling. Often while the car is hanging on the pump. However, we somehow forgot about our Outlander PHEV long-term tester. Probably because he stands in the garage a lot, charges up there and then goes through his daily tours without constantly having to think about the gas station. With the Outlander PHEV in particular, it would be so simple: refuel once a month, check the tire pressure and check the engine oil once a month.
Check tire pressure on the Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi's recommendation is 2.4 - 2.6 bar, depending on what you drive every day. The manufacturer recommends 2.6 bar for the motorway. We checked the air pressure at the beginning of the test, there were 2.8 bar all around the vehicle. We left that and found the tire pressure to be okay. The higher the pressure in the tire, the harder it gets. The less self-damping the tire develops, the more likely it is to be uncomfortable. With higher payloads, increasing the pressure above 2.6 bar is definitely recommended. However, the 2.8 we drove are more of the upper limit for everyday life. A high air pressure also helps to save fuel. The rolling resistance of the tires decreases. However, one should not overdo it. The higher the pressure, the greater the risk of losing optimal grip.
Ideally, the weight of the vehicle placed such a load on the tire that it lay flat and across its entire width on the road. More pressure reduces the size of the running surface. As a result, the tires wear off more in the middle. Too little air pressure has a similar effect. If you drove your car with too little air pressure, you can see this in the tires that have only worn on the outside surfaces. In addition, too little air pressure can result in “spongy” and less controllable driving behavior.
The right air pressure is therefore important. Mitsubishi's recommendation for the Outlander PHEV: 2.4 - 2.6 bar all around. We recommend not going over 2.8 bar.
And check the air pressure with every refueling! We will do that in the future.
Small filling station service with oil level control and wiping water filling
The power electronics and generator for the electric drive of the PHEV hide under the silver cover. In the red frame: The oil dipstick for the 2.0 liter petrol engine. A monthly check of the oil level makes sense. Also and especially because the petrol engine pauses so often in the Outlander PHEV.
The basis for the oil check: An engine that is at operating temperature, but should be off for 2-3 minutes, and the vehicle should be level to ensure that the oil runs back completely. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a lint-free paper towel, reinsert it completely, pull it out and read the oil level. There is a min and a max mark. An oil level “ABOVE” Max is just as bad as an oil level that has already reached the minimum.
On the far right, if you stand in front of it, on the left - is the filler neck for the mop water. Here, too, you should regularly top up with fresh washer fluid. Not that the next time you drive in the rain you can't get the windows clean.
4 tasks for the refueling stop
It makes sense to check the tire pressure every time you refuel. You should also check the oil level, fill up the washer fluid and then - when you're at it, a walk around the vehicle also makes sense. Switch on the lighting and check the function of the lighting elements such as low beam, rear light and turn signals!
These 4 tasks are done quickly at each refueling stop. We will do the same with our endurance tester every month as well.