Gas prices have been at an all-time high, leading many car owners to ask if there is any way they can pay less at the pump.
There is — making an investment in a hybrid car. Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with consumers because they’re known for their fuel efficiency and reduced pollution. If you’re a hybrid car owner, you probably switched over for the same reasons.
But did you know you can save on gas between fill-ups? Here are three ideas.
Properly Maintain Your Hybrid Vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles require regular maintenance like any other car. After all, a gas engine is still underneath the hood. To keep your hybrid running at peak performance, you need to maintain it. That means ensuring the fluids are fresh and the air filter is clean, in addition to other standard maintenance services.
When you own a hybrid car, you must also keep the tires inflated at the proper pressure and clean out the trunk to maximize fuel efficiency. If you have a storage box or roof rack on top of your car, remove it for better aerodynamics.
By Using the Pulse and Glide Technique, You Can Get More Miles per Gallon.
Once your car has been cleaned and maintained, it’s time to learn how to drive it properly. Of course, you can drive a hybrid like any other car. But if you use the “pulse and glide technique,” you’ll get better gas mileage.
It starts with the driver accelerating the vehicle to get it up to the desired speed. When the car is zipping along at a steady speed, the driver can lay off the accelerator and let the vehicle “glide” or cruise until it’s time to pulse the accelerator again. This technique helps double your fuel economy and take advantage of the hybrid vehicle’s regenerative braking feature, which charges the hybrid battery when decelerating and braking.
Don’t Overuse Your Hybrid Car’s Accessories.
Your hybrid car’s accessories require a lot of energy. The more you use them; the less efficient your car will be. You don’t need to keep the air conditioning off all summer or the heater off all winter, but cutting back on your use a little can make a difference.
If it’s warm outside and you need air conditioning, turn it on for 10 minutes, then turn it off for 20 minutes. Or roll down the window a little. If your hybrid vehicle has heated seats, use them instead of cranking up the heat to its maximum setting; this will help save fuel. It’s also a good idea to turn on ‘Economy mode,’ as it allows you to drive more fuel-efficiently.