How to Use Hybrid Cars Efficiently

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Use your hybrid efficiently

After purchasing a hybrid automobile, there are many things you can do that will allow your car to run its best. A hybrid vehicle utilizes an electric engine and a gas engine, alternating between the two based on acceleration and power needs.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know that a hybrid automobile can drive up to sixty miles per gallon compared to non-hybrid vehicles that drive 22-28 miles per gallon.
Step 2

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. The gas engine is usually only functioning when you press the gas pedal, so avoid sudden acceleration to save as much gas as possible.
Step 3

Minimize braking and coast to a stop instead. This will extend the life of the brakes and not engage the gas engine as often. If you pace yourself in traffic, your hybrid automobile will be more fuel efficient.
Step 4

Maintain your vehicle according to manufacturer standards. Regular oil changes, tune ups and other preventative maintenance will extend the life of your car and save you money in the long run.
Step 5

Use cruise control when driving on the highway. This will engage the electric and gas engine appropriately, so as to save you as much gas as possible.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure that your tires are inflated properly.
Park at the first available parking spot. Driving around looking for a spot will only make you lose gas.
Reduce wind resistance. Fuel economy will be reduced if unused luggage or boat racks are sitting in the car.
Drop the weight. Any heavy items in the hybrid car will reduce the miles per gallon the car receives.
Don’t use fuel with an octane rating higher than your care requires.
Combine shorter trips into one long trip.
Choose a hybrid automobile with tinted windows. Air conditioning drains your car’s engine power.

Resources

Fuel Efficiency

Comments

USCMichaud said

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on 4/11/2007 I drive a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid and agree with almost everything you have said. The point I disagree on is the cruise control on the highway. You get much better fuel efficiency without it because you can naturally allow the car to decelerate uphill and accelerate downhill. The cruise control will seek to maintain your set speed and waste a lot of gas doing it sometimes.