Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Hybrid Car

Jody DeVere -- Ask Patty — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:52:41 -0500

During Earth month – and every day of the year – we know you want to stretch your fuel to get the most out of every purchase. We found a fun collection of money-saving tips and advice at Shell.com and thought to share a few of them with our AskPatty readers.

The powertrain of a hybrid car combines an efficient gasoline engine with an electric motor as well as a special system to capture braking energy to store in an onboard battery to provide a vehicle that not only relies less on fossil fuel but also has the potential to deliver increased fuel economy and reduced emissions when compared to standard gasoline vehicle. Regardless of whether you choose to drive a hybrid to save gas or to reduce emissions, we know you want to get the best possible economy possible. In general, whether you drive a traditional combustion-powered or hybrid vehicle, common sense already recommends that you drive smoothly, and avoid heavy acceleration or braking.

Beyond that, it’s important to note that you’ll need to slightly change your driving style in order to benefit from the hybrid combination. While much of the general fuel saving advice that gets posted on the internet is still relevant to hybrids, Shell recommends the following four tips specifically for hybrid vehicles.

1) Brake gently
Lightly pressing the brake pedal allows you to recover energy and recharge the battery. Heavy braking uses the mechanical brakes, converting the precious energy into heat.

2) Learn to glide
Once you’ve reached cruising speed, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car travel on its own. When the speed drops too low, accelerate back up to speed, then glide again.

3) Use cruise control
Cruise control will make the most efficient use of the gasoline and electric components of the car. Be sure to use it whenever you’re in free-flowing traffic.

4) Maximize momentum
Anticipate the terrain and traffic and use them to your advantage. For example, slow down before you reach the crest of a hill, then let gravity give you back the speed for free.

Utilizing these tips while driving your hybrid car will help you get every possible mile out of your vehicle’s special powertrain.

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com

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Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Hybrid Car