Maximize the Fuel Efficiency of Your Hybrid Car
You chose a hybrid vehicle for the great gas mileage and environmental benefits. But there are also several ways that you can further increase its fuel efficiency. While every automobile is capable of achieving better gas mileage, there are certain tips and tricks specifically for hybrids that can assist in your conservation efforts:
Periodically turn off the engine:
A hybrid car does not need to rely on the gasoline engine all of the time. A hybrid car has an alternate power supply that consists of batteries and an electric motor. You can turn off this engine occasionally in order to save fuel. A good time to switch off the gas engine is when stopped at a traffic light, or any other time that you are going to be sitting idle.
Minimize air-conditioning use:
Using air-conditioning in hot temperatures can raise fuel consumption by at least 20%. Fuel efficiency can be improved in the summer by minimizing air-conditioning use and utilizing the hybrid car's flow-through ventilation system. If it's so hot that air-conditioning is a necessity, set the controls to a moderate level, and then switch the system off once the car has cooled.
Check the tire pressure regularly:
Improper tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency. Some hybrid owners choose to go slightly beyond the recommended air pressure amount, while still staying below the maximum pressure range. Over inflation can cause rough tire wear and handling difficulties. Tire pressure should be checked on a regular basis, checking for leaks and embedded objects.
Keep your car properly maintained:
Keeping your hybrid in top condition not only minimizes fuel costs, it also reduces emissions. Dirty oil, clogged filters, and overall neglect in hybrid maintenance can contribute to a decrease in fuel efficiency. Replacing clogged air filters can increase a hybrid's fuel efficiency by almost 10%, while also shielding the engine from impurities. A routine tune-up can greatly improve gas mileage. Spark plugs should also be correctly maintained. Make sure they are firing properly, and replace them when needed.
Try to combine trips:
Combining chores and short trips is a good way to maximize your fuel efficiency. Numerous short trips that begin from a cold engine generate two times as much fuel as a longer trip covering the same exact region when the engine is already warm. Doing all of your errands in one trip saves both time and money. This method also cuts down on the wear of your car. Try to car pool when possible or share driving responsibilities with others.
Drive slower:
Most drivers tend to go about 5-10 miles over the speed limit. Keeping within the speed limit can have a real impact on the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car. The aerodynamic drag on some cars increases the faster they are driven. The higher the speed, the less fuel efficient the car will be.
Drive gently:
Aggressive driving habits such as fast acceleration and hard braking unnecessarily wastes fuel. These bad driving habits can lower the gas mileage of your car by more than 30%. Think about using overdrive gears on the interstate to decrease engine speed and reduce fuel use.
Try to keep a constant speed:
Speeding up uses energy, some of which is depleted when the car slows down again. Driving at a constant speed improves fuel efficiency. Using cruise control on the interstate can help in greatly in efficiency, and usually reduces the amount of money spent on gas.
Published on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - Email to a friend
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