randygrenier

Yes, the heat comes from the gas engine, so the gas engine runs more in the winter and you get less mileage.

I've had two Toyota Prius's and now I drive an MKZ hybrid. I live in a place that can get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, but I've never had problems with the batteries. The only problem is that in winter I get less mileage because I use the heat. A hybrid tries to keep the gas engine turned off and run on electricity as much as possible. All other systems including air conditioning run on electricity. However, the only place to get interior heat is from the engine. Also, there needs to be a certain amount of heat for the catalytic converter to work properly. So in the winter, the engine tends to run more and you get less mileage.

Ooops! I answered a question that was posted in 2011. A few years late. :)

Not all cell phones are compatible for text messaging. See the list here: http://support.lincoln.com/sync-technology/device-compatibility-sync-mylincoln-touch. Find your carrier and phone in the list to see what features are available. Only a few phones are compatible for reading text messages. (You didn't say which Galaxy S you have, but the later builds of the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy S4 support texting.) As far as the "hang up and drive" comment, I sort of agree. All the technology in the MKZ can be distracting. I suggest sticking to voice commands and steering wheel controls when driving. When using the phone, limit conversations to things like "I'll call you back when I'm finished driving." or "OK, honey, I'll call you from the supermarket for the shopping list." Also, the texting feature in MyLincolnTouch does NOT allow you to text while driving. It simply alerts you when your phone receives text messages, and you can push the Talk button and say "Read messages." and it will use text-to-voice to read them to you. Main thing is to focus on driving and not be distracted. That's always the driver's responsibility.

Just acquired a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Black exterior, charcoal interior, Equipment Group 203A, Technology Package, and PanoramicRoof. Sweet Ride. See my short review http://randygrenier.com/2014_Lincoln_MKZ_Hybrid_Review.pdf Never owned a Ford or Lincoln product. Previously have owned Chevy, Saturn, Cadillac, and Toyota. Ford has been making big improvements, and the Lincoln MKZ is really awesome. Having a lot of fun so far. Oh yeah, and the technology is unbelievable.

I've owned Prius twice, and I learned a few things about hybrid driving: 1. There is a break in period--mileage should increase after 4-5,000 miles. 2. Driving in the real world never matches the EPA estimates, but that's true for non-hybrids as well. 3. You can learn driving habits and techniques that will dramatically improve your mileage. For example: - Watch the left display in Empower mode, and practice trying to keep it in the blue more (not too much--keep your eyes on the road.) - Look ahead for opportunities to break gradually and get some regen--for example traffic lights ahead. - Listen for the gas engine. Learn to drive so that it doesn't rev as much. - Drive more constant speeds. - Use all the tools that Lincoln provides to help with mileage: EV+, Eco Cruise Control, Brake Coach, and all the display modes. In other words, you have to work the hybrid technology to get the benefits.

There is a break-in period where you'll get much less mileage than the advertised 45/45/45. I've owned Prius twice, and they both got far below advertised mileage for the first 3-4K miles. I've only got < 300 miles on my new MKZ Hybrid, but I'll report what kind of mileage I'm getting after 4,000 miles. Also, it's a good idea to form fuel-efficient driving habits. That's a whole other subject.