Entries from December 2006 ↓

Gas prices all over the world have been soaring for years, giving drivers no other option than to pay the high prices. With more people driving vehicles that require more gas on a weekly basis, the rise in prices in being felt financially. Although experts agree that the rise in gas prices are not significant enough to deter consumers from driving their big trucks and sports utility vehicles, the thrifty spender may see things differently. A popular option for those looking for a cheaper way to travel is the hybrid.

The “hybrid” is something of mixed origin or composition by definition. A hybrid vehicle is one that has both a gasoline engine and an electric engine in which it operates upon. The gasoline engine is often smaller than in regular vehicles, allowing the electric motor to compensate with energy. A high-voltage battery charges the electric motor when the car is parked. Today’s hybrids can operate using either engine or both at the same time. This efficient system is great for the environment and even better for your pocket book.

With hybrids running on both a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, they do not require as much gasoline as regular vehicles. Most hybrid vehicles average around 50 mpg, which is amazing when compared to conventional gasoline engine vehicles. The incredible gas mileage is one reason hybrids are being thrust to the front of the industry during the soaring gas prices. On another note, since hybrids burn less gasoline than most vehicles, they also emit fewer pollutants. Studies show they are 90% cleaner than a conventional automobile. The small and efficient engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions, making them not only financially wise choices but also environmentally wise choices.

The fact that hybrids have two engines that work together to get the most efficient results in vehicle travel is the main reason why hybrids get great gas mileage. There are a few other minor reasons that also contribute however. Most hybrids are being sold with low-rolling resistance tires included. These tires are named as such because they have proven to roll easily on the road. The easily rolling measurement also means that they minimize the energy used by the tire. With the tires using less energy, they are allowing the car to be more efficient and in turn get better gas mileage. Studies have shown that hybrids with low-rolling resistant tires have saved drivers an average of 6% more on gasoline usage.

The average driver of a sports utility vehicle may complain of spending up to $50 a week on gasoline for their vehicle. These drivers are those they have only traveled in their own town during the week. An average hybrid driver estimates they spend less than $20 a week in gas for their hybrid. This is due to the fact that hybrids get better mpg than conventional gasoline powered cars. Different models of hybrids will in fact get different mpg rates.

Charts show that if you own a vehicle that gets 21 mpg, you will spend an average of $8,500 a year on gasoline. If you own a hybrid that gets 46 mpg, you will save over $4,600 a year, spending only $3,900 on gasoline. Buying a hybrid that gets 55 mpg or more, you will save between $500 and $1000 more a year compared to a 46mpg hybrid. These facts are enough to make conventional SUV owners want to run toward a hybrid.

If you are tired of paying way too much at the pump, then you should certainly consider an alternative form of transportation. You can choose to ride your bike, take a city bus, or carpool. The most luxurious option however is to purchase a hybrid. There are many different models of hybrids offered at this time. There are many more models coming out soon. Many hybrid models have distinct looks, while others, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid will have a typical “Camry” look. No matter what styles and models you like, there is something in a hybrid option for you. So, take a drive down to your local hybrid car lot and take one for a test drive today! You will love that you are driving a car that is great to the environment as well as easy on the pocketbook when it comes to gasoline.

Share This

Those who are unfamiliar with hybrid cars may not know that most come with new innovative tire designs. When replacing your tires on your hybrid car, you should stick with the low-rolling resistance tires. Those who own hybrid cars however know that these special low-rolling resistance tires are the best thing since the hybrid design itself. Consumers are definitely not the only ones with their eyes on the new low-rolling resistance tires however. Every major tire maker is getting in on the trend with new tires coming out frequently.

You may wonder what low-rolling resistance actually means. The name is a measurement of how tires roll on the road. If the tire rolls easily, then it is considered a low-rolling resistant tire. One benefit of these innovative tires is that they minimize the energy used by the tire. Tires use energy as heat in three different locations. First, there is heat between the tire and the road. Secondly, there is heat between the tire and the sidewall. Lastly, there is heat between the tire and the rim. The great thing about the low-rolling resistance tires is that they maintain traction, handling, and durability. When used with special suspension and brakes, they reduce resistance even more. The tires go through all of the approval standards of normal tires, so you can be sure they are safe to use.

Now that you know more about tires, you may wonder how they can make tires that reduce the energy usage. The answer is that tire manufacturers are using several different elements to create low-rolling resistance tires. First, they focus on the design of the tread. Different companies are using different designs, so you may seem many different designs coming to the consumer soon. After choosing a great design, they also choose lighter and stronger materials and reduce the sidewall to reduce flexing of the tire. The tires are made to run without air pressure. Most of them can still be used for up to 50 miles with no air pressure whatsoever. This is an amazing trait of these tires. With tires that can run without air pressure, you really have no need to carry around a jack or other tools for changing tires. You would have plenty of time to get to the mechanic shop or home before your tire would be useless.

Studies have shown that using low-rolling resistant tires on your vehicle can save on your gas budget. These efficient tires are fitted for each vehicle, which in turn will make your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently. It is estimated that you can save up to 6% on gas usage when using low-rolling resistance tires on your car. When considering these tires, which tend to cost about $40 more than regular tires for a complete set, think about what you could save at the pump. You may be spending a little more when purchasing the tire set, but you will save more than you are spending in the long run.

Although these great tires can save you bundles, low-rolling resistance tires have had a few complaints. Some drivers don’t like the way they handle on the road. But most low-rolling resistance tires have great tread, if you are a wild driver, they may not be as great for handling. However, slow or cautious drivers have seen no negative change. It is more of a personal preference when it comes to how they handle.

Consumers are taking the benefits of the new low-rolling resistance tires very seriously. California has even passed legislation that requires all replacement tires sold in the state to be as efficient as tires on new vehicles, which are mostly low-rolling resistance tires. This is a huge step toward the low-rolling resistance trend. More states are considering legislation as well.

When looking for new tires for your hybrid, be sure to check out the low-rolling resistance options. It is likely that your old tires were low-rolling resistance tires, so you will be used to the features they offer, whether or not you knew about their benefits before. You may be spending a little more in the beginning, but you will make up the upfront cost in gas savings almost immediately.

Share This

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the course of the last few years. Due to these incredibly high prices, many people are purchasing hybrid cars. A vehicle is considered a hybrid when it combines power sources to increase performance capabilities. In the case of most current hybrid automobiles, the cars are powered by both gasoline and an electric motor. There are two types of hybrid cars. One type is a parallel hybrid. In this type of vehicle, both the gasoline portion of the engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission of the car. This means the car is able to run off of either power source. Another type of hybrid vehicle is the series hybrid. In this type of automobile, the gas powered engine runs a generator. The generator powers the electric motor. The electric motor runs the car. Hybrid cars are quite popular because of fuel efficiency. However, the major drawback to the most fuel efficient hybrid vehicles is the size of the car.

When dealing with vehicles, the smaller the size of the engine, the more efficient the vehicle turns out to be. One reason this is true is that larger engines are heavier than smaller engines. As a result, when the car goes faster, or tries to climb a hill, it must use extra power. A small car would use less power in either of these situations. Additionally, in a smaller engine, the internal workings of the machine are lighter. When they move within the engine, they require less energy than those of a large engine do. Another good reason for a small engine is cylinder displacement. In a large vehicle, cylinder displacement is bigger, so the car has to have more power. Finally, the bigger the engine, the more cylinders it requires. Since cylinders use power whether the car is running or not, a smaller engine with fewer cylinders is far more efficient. Because smaller engines are best to power smaller vehicles, hybrid manufactures have tried to stay with smaller cars.

One of the smallest hybrid vehicles is the Honda Insight. The Insight is a two door vehicle that seats two people. In creating this vehicle, Honda believed that owners of this car would be the type who usually only have one or two people in the car anyway. To make the car incredibly efficient, Honda reduced the size as much as possible. That offers the car more power and more fuel efficiency, which is something most hybrid owners are searching for. In addition to the small seating area, they also offer very limited cargo and luggage space. Again, the thinking here is smaller is better in terms of engine efficiency. It pays off in terms of gas mileage, but many people are unhappy with the overall size of the vehicle, which leads them to purchase cars with regular engines based purely on interior and cargo space.

The Toyota Prius is another fairly small hybrid vehicle. This one, though, offers a bit more space than the Insight. The Prius features four doors and can fit up to five people, though that is often seen as a bit of a tight squeeze. It offers a hatchback type access and slightly more trunk space than the Insight. The Prius has received a number of awards and honors, but in terms of the standard family vehicles of today, it still falls short on interior and exterior room.

Similar in size the Prius is Honda’s Civic hybrid. It offers all of the size and cargo space of the traditionally built Civic. They have attempted to add space compartments in every possible area to help people feel that it is a roomier car. Most people, though, still want something larger than the Civic. Most people are looking for something to replace the family sport utility vehicle or minivan.

While hybrid sport utility vehicles and minivans are beginning to make an appearance on the hybrid market, they simply aren’t worth the extra hassle and price, as the gas mileage is unacceptably poor for vehicles that cost as much as two to three thousand dollars more than a traditionally built engine. The bottom line with hybrid vehicles is that if you’re looking for something large, you are simply not going to find it with the hybrids on the market today.

Share This