Maximize your Mileage in Your Hybrid Car
For those of us who have not taken the plunge and bought a hybrid there are people out there that are taking the plunge for us. Even though hybrid owners are already enjoying the benefits of having the gas and electrical powered cars they still want to know ways that they can improve their gas mileage. In fact even though they are getting great gas mileage the hybrids are still not meeting the owner’s original expectations.
With that said, many hybrid owners are even making it a game to try and get better and better gas mileage. Many people who are experts in hybrid cars and driving in general are trying to help those who are not get more out of their hybrids and show them that they can get what they were told they could out of their hybrids. After going to work shops many people have reported that they are now getting better mileage than before out of their hybrids.
Pulse and glide is becoming a very popular phrase when it comes to certain hybrid cars and their owners. This basically translates to finding the zone with the hybrid where energy use is leveled off between the electric and gas engines. Toyota and Lexus are able to claim the phrase pulse and glide because on certain models you can do a bit of fancy foot work and double to triple you gas mileage.
This is done by gradually gaining speed to the speed you want around, which should be around 30 to 40 MPH. Once the car reaches the desired speed within this range the driver will lightly tap on the brake. After this the screen on the dashboard will be clean and the screen will show all black arrows. The black arrows mean that the energy use in the car has stabilized and therefore will save on energy usage.
Another way to save on gas mileage is going to be a little more difficult to swallow, if you know what I mean. A good way to save on gas mileage is to try actually driving the speed limit for a change instead of rushing around. For many people this means a little more organization and lifestyle changes but it is ultimately the best way to save money on gas. It is estimated that you will save a dime on every gallon if you stay slow and steady.
Another good thing about staying slow and steady is that you will be able to see which lanes are going to slow you down or make you stop before you actually have to instead of stopping or slowing suddenly. It is also a thought that those who rush around instead of staying slow and steady tend to get into more accidents than those who stay at lower speeds.
You should also pay more attention to your tire pressure; this can save on gas mileage as well. On hybrids, having low tire pressure can lower gas mileage by as much as fifteen percent. This number may not look like much but it is enough to make sure you go to the auto supply store and get a tire gauge. Low tires make a car drag, so let your hybrid become the super-mileage maker that they aim to be by making a note on the calendar to check them. So check your tires at least once or twice a week.
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