Maximize
Your Hybrid Car Fuel Efficiency
by SolveYourProblem.com
With
a compact, yet highly efficient engine, the hybrid car is becoming
increasingly popular for its numerous advantages. One such
benefit is the car’s knack for fuel efficiency. As gas prices
continue to fluctuate, car owners are searching for ways to
maximize fuel reserves to the fullest. While every automobile
is capable of achieving better gas mileage, there are certain
tips and tricks for the hybrid that can assist in your conservation
efforts.
1.
Periodically turn off the engine: A hybrid car has an alternate
power supply that consists of batteries and an electric motor.
For this reason, the hybrid does not have to use the gasoline
engine at all times, and can turn off this engine occasionally.
An opportune occasion to switch off the gasoline engine is
while stopped at a traffic light.
2.
Minimize air-conditioning usage: Studies have revealed
that use of air-conditioning systems in hot temperatures can
raise fuel consumption by at least 20 percent. Fuel efficiency
can be improved in the summer months by minimizing air-conditioning
usage, and utilizing the hybrid car’s flow-through ventilation
system. It is also wise to make use of air vents to circulate
cool air as much as possible. This is especially helpful with
highway driving. If air-conditioning usage is a necessity,
set the controls to a moderate level, and then switch the system
off after the automobile has cooled.
3.
Low-rolling resistance tires are crucial: The standard
automobile is equipped with tires that are designed to supply
proper traction and a smooth, comfortable driving experience.
However, because of a large amount of drag, most automobile
tires do not provide the highest quality of fuel efficiency.
The hybrid is designed with a unique variety of tire that is
sturdier and inflated to a higher air pressure than the traditional
automobile tire. This causes less drag, and better gas mileage.
4.
Regularly check tire pressure: Research has shown that
gas mileage can improve by approximately 3.5 percent if tires
are correctly inflated. 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 gauged on a routine basis, checking for leaks or proof of
embedded objects. Wintertime especially calls for regular inspections,
as cold weather can cause a sharp decline in air pressure.
5.
Properly maintain both car and engine: Keeping your hybrid
in quality condition not only minimizes fuel and money costs,
it reduces the threat of dangerous emissions. Dirty oil, clogged
air filters, and overall neglect to other general hybrid maintenance
can contribute to a decrease in fuel efficiency. Replacing
clogged air filters can increase a hybrid’s fuel efficiency
by almost 10 percent, while also shielding the engine from
impurities. A routine tune-up when the car is not working properly
or has not passed an emissions test has been known to greatly
improve gas mileage. Spark plugs should also be correctly maintained;
make sure they are firing properly, and replace them when necessary.
6.
Combine errands and trips: Combining errands and short
trips together is an easy way to maximize your hybrid’s 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. Linking
errands together in a similar part of town saves both time
and money. This method also cuts down on the wear of your hybrid.
Try car pools when possible, or share driving responsibilities
with others.
7.
Drive slower: Most drivers tend to drive 5 to 10 miles
over the posted speed limit. However, keeping within the limit
can have a considerable impact on the fuel efficiency of a
hybrid car. Why? The aerodynamic drag on some cars increases
dramatically the faster it is driven. The higher the speed,
the less fuel efficient the car will be.
8.
Drive gently: Destructive driving habits such as rapid
acceleration and hard braking unnecessarily wastes fuel. These
harmful driving practices lower the gas mileage of your hybrid
by more than 30 percent. Think about using overdrive gears
on the interstate to decrease engine speed and reduce fuel
usage.
9.
Keep a constant speed: Speeding your hybrid up
uses energy, parts of which are depleted when the car slows
down again.
Keeping a constant speed assists in improving fuel efficiency.
Utilizing cruise control on the interstate c_an help in greatly
in efficiency, and usually reduces funds spent on gas.
10.
A fuel consumption gauge is a must: A fuel consumption
gauge display shows how your driving affects your car’s fuel
efficiency. Numerous cars are equipped with these gauges, however
if your hybrid is not, you can buy one that plugs into your
car. There are a variety of gauge displays now available for
purchase.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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