Tips for Maintaining Hybrid Vehicles
Quite a few drivers of hybrid vehicles have learned the hard way as to how to achieve good fuel economy even though the ratings of these cars far exceed what one may actually achieve when driving one.
The reason is that many neglect to check such simple things as tire pressure as well as how fast you drive the car. Low pressure will add friction to the surface of the tire which in turn results in extra fuel consumption for the same amount of power. Even one low tire can change the results of how many miles per gallon you would get.
That said, speed is a very important factor as well, and if great mileage is desired, then it's a matter of reducing speed to a magic number which offers the highest efficiency which is just below 50 miles per hour. Anything over that decreases you're mileage dramatically.
Short distance driving is also a big defeat for good mileage as many give it to much pedal only to have to stop suddenly for the next stop sign or light. By pacing the car so that you have less frequent stops and starts in short distance driving, you can increase the MPG dramatically.
Many sit for moments while the car warms up in cold weather which is a mistake if they sit too long as this will decrease the MPG as well. Once the car is started, it's a matter of letting the car warm up while in motion, but keeping in mind that the engine is still cold and needs to warm up before normal driving. So moderate take offs and lower speeds during the warm up not only saves you fuel, but eliminates the wasted time sitting still waiting for the engine to warm up.
Good habits are essential whether it is a hybrid or conventional car, and routine maintenance as called for by the manufacturer will help in keeping the vehicle running smoothly and without problems.
Check on the internet to see what others who own hybrids have to say about what works for them. Owners are eager to share experiences, and who better to seek information from than from those who own the vehicles such as yours.
The owner's manual that comes with any vehicle is one of the best insurances you can have to help prevent problems down the road as they clearly spell out the routine maintenance schedule you must follow to keep you're hybrid in top condition.Other than that it is a matter of common sense when it comes to any expectations from what ever kind of vehicle you drive.
