As awareness about global warming and dwindling energy supplies increases, more people are interested in purchasing hybrid vehicles. These vehicles use less fossil fuel, produce less greenhouse gas emissions and provide better mileage compared to exclusively gas-powered vehicles. However, if you try to drive a hybrid car in the same way as your old car, you'll end up with disappointing mileage and some unexpected problems. To get the most out of a hybrid car, there a few driving and car care tips to follow.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
The performance and mileage of a hybrid car are greatly affected by extremes of hot or cold weather. The car's efficiency significantly decreases when energy must be used to cool it off--by using the air conditioner or rolling the windows down--or to heat it up in winter. The best strategy to avoid these temperature-related energy drags is to shield your hybrid by always storing it in a garage. This will help keep the car's internal and external temperature more constant than if it is always exposed to the elements.
Accelerate Quickly
When you learned to drive a traditional gas-powered vehicle, you were taught to accelerate from a stop gradually to avoid using too much gas. However, the opposite is true when you are driving a hybrid: The best way to accelerate to speed in a hybrid car is quickly. Hybrid engines function most efficiently at high, constant speeds, so you will actually use less fuel if you accelerate briskly to reach cruising speed instead of speeding up slowly over a long distance.
Pulse Driving
The technique known as pulse driving lets you take advantage of the regenerative braking feature in hybrid cars, according to MotherEarthNews.com. This regenerative braking feature allows the car's batteries to recharge when the brakes are pressed slowly over a period of time. The car's inertia provides the energy for the recharge. This is why hybrid experts recommend pulse driving: braking gently, as early as possible, when you approach an upcoming stop or slowdown. Avoid sharp stops, as these cause the mechanical brakes to override the regenerative braking feature, and no energy will be transferred to the car's battery.
Travel Light
Carry as little as possible in your hybrid, including on the seats or in the trunk, Go-hybrid.info recommends. Increased weight directly causes the fuel economy of the car to decrease. Also, be aware that certain aftermarket accessories you may purchase for the hybrid can add to the car's overall weight and, over time, decrease the mileage efficiency.
Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires affect the mileage of any car, whether hybrid or gas-powered. The decrease in mileage is especially noticeable in hybrids--even one tire that isn't inflated to the appropriate pressure can make your miles-per-gallon drop profoundly. Check the tires regularly, and keep them at recommended levels.
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