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Introduction
The fact that there are so many hybrid cars for sale nz is a testament that these cars have gained momentum in New Zealand. If you were swayed to buy one, then you are probably enjoying the benefits that these types of vehicles come with. But did you know that there are certain things that you can do to get the most out of your hybrid car? Proper care of your battery, accelerating slowly, and using cruise control are just a few of the things that will make your vehicle work at optimum levels. Also, staying aware of your fuel economy is sure to take your hybrid experience to the next level. And, before you decide on which hybrid cars for sale to buy, make sure you investigate different makes and brands.
Tips to Use Your Hybrid Car Most Efficiently
Limit your driving
One of the best tips to use your hybrid efficiently is to avoid using it completely. Where possible, walk to your destination or go by bike. Another tip is to use public transport like trains, buses, and subways. You could also want to hike a ride with a colleague or friend and then carpool to your journey.
Nurture Good Driving Habits
For you to get the best of your hybrid’s possibilities, you must think about re-learning how to drive. And while most drivers are conversant with things like cruise control and watching speedometers, these become crucial bits of knowledge when driving a hybrid.
If it is present, keep glances at the fuel economy display dashboard. The display gives you an accurate update about your current fuel efficiency. Make fuel-efficient driving styles part and parcel of your driving behavior.
Make use of your brakes. Hybrid cars for sale NZ use the regenerative braking system technology. It means that the brakes produce energy that is otherwise wasted in normal cars as heat and uses it to recharge the hybrid car battery. When you want to stop, make sure you apply even, gentle pressure to the car brakes and then gently gliding to a stop.
Control Your Battery’s Charge.
A fully charged battery is likely to wear out more quickly. In the same way, if you use your battery to the point that it’s almost completely depleted, it affects the charges you can get from it. Always check your battery gauge. Once the charge reaches around 80%, stop charging it. Also, never let its charge drop below 20%.
Some manufacturers of hybrid cars have incorporated this into their design. They have safeguards to prevent a situation where a battery reaches full charge or empty state. When scrolling through those hybrid cars for sale adverts, make sure to check if this feature is included.
Use cruise control.
When you have put on cruise control, your chances of revving the engine and accelerating quickly are reduced. This causes the gas engine to be activated to give the extra push needed by rapid acceleration. Lay the gas off and have the cruise control set to your preferred speed whether on a street or highway.
In case your hybrid car doesn’t have cruise control, you could try keeping your speed constant. Accelerating your vehicle does not only use energy but also wastes energy when you slow down your car. Driving at a constant speed is a surefire way to make your vehicle energy-efficient.
Keep your battery warm.
A warm battery means a warm car. When you allow it to get cold, expect that you will get a smaller amount of energy from it. Don’t drive your hybrid car during the winter to protect it from the vagaries of cold weather.
After turning on your car, let it remain idle for some time to warm the battery.
In the same way, exposing your battery to excessive heat isn’t a good idea. If you maintain it at 92 degrees Fahrenheit, expect it to serve you for only 5 years. Avoid keeping the car in direct sunlight.
Use the battery instead of the gasoline engine.
Some hybrid cars for sale give you the option of deciding when to use the battery or the gasoline engine by your hybrid. Always use the battery as much as possible to enable you to save money on gas. In some cases, for instance, highway driving, hybrids can automatically switch to the gasoline engine.
Always drive within the range of your battery. Most hybrid cars for sale nz let you drive between 10 and 25 miles when driving exclusively on the battery before requiring to switch to the gasoline engine. Keep drives short and around your home. To maximize the efficiency of your hybrid car, these cars are best driven when you are close to your home.
Experiment with Different Acceleration Techniques.
While using each of these accelerations, pay attention to fuel efficiency. For example, you could try to accelerate slowly for some weeks, and then accelerate a bit faster. Compare mileage results when you use these different techniques and go with the one that gives you the greatest fuel efficiency.
After attaining the speed that you desire, coast for the longest time until you require turning or stopping.
Be conscious of how your vehicle starts at spotlights. Your hybrid car is programmed to switch the engines off when not moving or when in the park. It will remain switched off until the time that you resume the motion. Using your foot, apply gentle pressure to gas pedals to get the car to start moving.
Maintain low speed.
The fuel efficiency of your hybrid car decreases rapidly once you start cruising at 55 mph and above. If you are driving with the cruise control to 70 MPH, make sure you switch it off, more so when you are downhill. Try aiming for a speed of 60 mph at most while driving on a highway.
Don’t shy away from riding in the slow lane. Be happy to allow other cars to drive past you.
Accelerate moderately. Accelerating too fast risks causing the electric and gas engines to operate simultaneously. When driving uphill, try to locate the sweet spot zone with your hybrid. This is an acceleration level that isn’t too slow or too fast.
Conclusion
If you want your hybrid car to be most efficient, you should use the electric engine as much as possible, drive short distances, ride a bike to work or walk, and maintain slow speeds. These plus the tips we have shared above will ensure you get the most from your automobile.
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