When you switch to a hybrid car, you help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner planet. You’ll also be saving money on gas and enjoying some other perks that come with owning a hybrid vehicle.
Do you feel like your car is a little bit of an energy hog?
If you’re ready to trade in your gas-guzzling car for something more fuel-efficient, now is the perfect time to bring home a hybrid. In this article, you’ll learn about some simple practices that will make sure your investment – and contribution to the environment – lasts for many years.
Read the Owner’s Manual
Start with your owner’s manual. Read it through and pay special attention to the manufacturer’s tips on how to get the best gas mileage possible. You’ll also want to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for your vehicle. This schedule tells you how often (in terms of both time and mileage) you should have different types of service done, including checking your oil, rotating and replacing tires, checking your brakes, and more.
Following this service schedule will help your vehicle run its best, and when it’s running efficiently, you’ll save money on fuel.
Turn on Economy Mode
Many hybrid vehicles have an ‘Economy mode’ that enables you to drive your car as fuel-efficiently as possible. ECO mode may limit acceleration and speed, so you should first get a feel for it in a safe environment. For those interested in doing little else to boost their vehicle’s efficiency, this is a great way to maximize their car’s power.
When Driving, Accelerate Smoothly and Brake Gently.
To maximize your hybrid’s fuel efficiency, try to drive at a steady speed between 40 and 60 miles per hour. Your hybrid probably has regenerative braking, which uses some of the energy created in braking to help recharge your hybrid battery system, but only when the brakes are used gently.
Use Car Features Sparingly
Everything you use in your vehicle that requires power will eat into the overall fuel efficiency. Consider not using your air conditioning on short trips. You don’t need to give yourself heatstroke, but it’s a good idea to turn on your air conditioning for a few minutes and then turn it off and use the fan for a bit rather than keep your air conditioner blasting away the whole time.
Pulse and Glide
To boost your fuel economy, try pulsing and gliding. Accelerate to a certain speed, then coast along until you slow down to another set speed. Repeat this process as you drive. When you glide, your car uses no gas, so if you spend half your time accelerating and half your time gliding, you’re effectively doubling your fuel economy.