Why Buy a Hybrid Car - Fuel Savings, Less Pollution

Why Buy A Hybrid Car By Ron King
For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.
Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.
Smaller, More Efficient Engines
The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.
Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.
With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.
Environmental Friendliness
Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.
Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.
Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices
More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.
You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.
Tax Incentives Available
People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.
Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality
Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.
It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.

Visit http://www.eco-car4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at http://www.ronxking.com
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
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Save Money on Gasoline

With today's gas prices now well over $3.00 a gallon in many areas we all need to find ways to cut our fuel costs. I think most would agree we can do a better job cutting our cost with a little effort in how we drive and maintain our vehicles.

First we need to pay close attention to how we drive. Speed I think most would agree is one area we all need to do a better job in. SLOW DOWN. This in itself will increase our mileage a great deal. Another area is using our brakes, when just driving a little slower would get us there just as fast and again save fuel. Be ready when it is your turn at a stop light or sign to start moving, this will save a jack rabbit start which again takes more fuel than a smooth start. By anticipating and being more alert as to what is going on far ahead and being ready when it is time to change lanes, will also add to our fuel savings. Most of these things just take a retraining of ourselves and habits. You might think these little things don't really make a difference, but all added together you will be pleasantly surprised.

Other things to consider include things like using the best route for the time of day we're driving. If for example we could find a route with less stop and go traffic, this would help. Once your engine heats up most will use less fuel, but idling at a stoplight for more than 30 seconds at several stops will cost you. Try to combine errands and trips by planning ahead, instead of say 4 trips a week making only 2 is again a winner. Although most of us like the free feeling of driving our own car, we might take a look at car pooling as another way to save fuel. Most of these things might at first seem like a lot of work, you might be surprised how much more relaxed you feel knowing you are doing a better job driving and are saving money.

Other tips, be sure to turn off the air conditioning when not needed again this could add as much as two miles per gallon to your fuel savings. Proper maintenance is another area that should not be over looked. Keep your engine tuned up, this in it self could be a big fuel saver. You might also want to consider switching to a different brand of motor oil for further fuel saving. For this I would check with the person who does your oil changing, he can explain the different oils that could save you money on your fuel cost.

Keep your tires at the proper pressure. As you make changes in your driving habits and maintenance you might want to keep a log for awhile so you will know how much the change has helped you save fuel. Once you see the savings it will be like a game to see where else you can find ways to cut your fuel cost. I believe many of us out there have accepted the rise in fuel cost as a way of life, let's not settle for that. Things can get better for all of us if we all do what we can to conserve fuel, and save money on gas.
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Simple money saving tips and more great ideas on how to save gas are available at http://www.fuelfrugal.com