A Quick Guide To Owning A Hybrid Vehicle
Are you gearing up to purchase a hybrid vehicle?
If so, congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey of efficiency, sustainability and innovation! Hybrid vehicles are truly remarkable in so many ways. As their name suggests, they run off of a blend of petrol and electric power, resulting in a drive that’s not only eco-conscious but also smooth and efficient as well.
However, it’s important to note that due to their hybrid nature, these vehicles come with their own set of unique characteristics that are important to understand if you are thinking about purchasing one.
In this article, we will steer you through a basic overview of the ins and outs of owning a hybrid vehicle. Let’s dive in.
Why purchase a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid vehicles are a fusion of traditional petrol engines and electric propulsion systems.
With two distinguishable power sources available, the vehicle is adaptable to your driving style. For example, the petrol engine generally takes the lead on highways, while the electric motor gracefully navigates city streets – a partnership that enhances both performance and efficiency.
A hybrid vehicle offers you essentially two key advantages:
- environmental sustainability
- cost savings
By only using petrol as a secondary source of power, Hybrid vehicles effectively reduce fuel consumption, which translates to fewer trips to the petrol station and notable savings. Furthermore, by producing fewer emissions, hybrids also contribute to a cleaner environment, presenting an appealing solution to the world’s current environmental challenges.
The types of hybrid vehicles
As diverse as they are in and of themselves, hybrid vehicles also come in a diverse range of options, generally distinguishable by how they are charged.
- Standard hybrids automatically alternate between fuel and electric power. The electric power supply is charged internally while the vehicle runs on fuel.
- Plug-in hybrids extend their electric-only range by charging from an external, plug-in port.
- Mild hybrids have a small internal battery pack generally just to provide a boost in performance or economy.
It’s this diversity of choice that allows you to choose and tailor your vehicle according to your unique preferences.
How to care for and maintain a hybrid vehicle.
By diversifying the point of propulsion, many hybrid vehicles enable owners to say goodbye to common maintenance issues among purely electric or petrol-based vehicles.
That notwithstanding, there are still some measures that must be taken to ensure optimal performance over the long term.
- Gentle Driving Habits: Smooth acceleration and braking preserve hybrid efficiency, extending battery life and optimising performance.
- Regular Maintenance Checks: The same for all vehicles, stick to routine maintenance schedules for tire inflation, oil changes, and fluid checks to ensure consistent performance.
- Battery Care: Avoid deep discharges and overcharges. Instead, maintain moderate battery levels to enhance the lifespan and efficiency of the vehicle.
- Brake Maintenance: Many hybrid vehicles utilise regenerative braking systems which reduce wear on brake pads. To assist this further, regular checks will ensure that your braking systems work optimally over time.
- Consistent Charging (Plug-in Hybrids): Plug-in Hybrids benefit from regular charging to maximise electric-only range and overall fuel efficiency. Charge overnight for convenience.
Interested in hybrid vehicles but unsure where to start?
The automotive industry is currently experiencing revolutionary changes, as demonstrated by the rise of EVs and Hybrid vehicles.
With all these changes to the car-buying experience, it helps to have a vehicle expert who can guide you.
If you have questions about cars, Virtual Showrooms and how you can choose the right vehicle for you, simply reach out to us for a chat.
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