FAQs for the Media
1) What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid is a gasoline vehicle that does not require to be plugged in. From the operator’s perspective it is no different than a conventional vehicle. The gas engine uses less fuel because it is assisted by an electric motor that is charged by a battery pack.
2) Do I need to work the electric motor as well?
No, it is all done automatically.
3) Do hybrids need gas?
Yes. Since a hybrid uses an internal combustion engine as in any other car, it requires regular gasoline, though not in large quantities.
4) Why are hybrids less efficient on the highway?
The electric motor assists the gasoline engine less during highway driving because more fuel is needed to maintain faster speeds for long durations.
5) Do hybrids need to be plugged in?
No. Currently there are no plug-in hybrids available for sale, though they are coming soon.
6) Why is diesel more efficient than regular gasoline?
There are special combustion properties in diesel that allows more power to be generated from less fuel. Usually smaller engines are found in diesels, while torque numbers help the car achieve acceptable performance.
7) Don’t diesels pollute the air more?
The same properties in diesel that make it more efficient cause smog forming emissions. However, there have been a lot of efforts made to make diesel cleaner. As a result diesels today are much cleaner than they were twenty years ago.
8) How come I’m not getting the advertised fuel efficiency rating of my car?
Fuel efficiency ratings are tested under ideal driving conditions.
9) Isn’t it better to idle than to start and stop the engine all the time?
Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your engine.
10) But doesn’t my car need to idle in order to warm up in the morning?
Idling only warms the engine oil and fluids. Even on a cold day, this takes no more than 30 seconds.
11) Why are manual transmissions more efficient than automatics?
Manual transmissions allow you to shift the gears yourself. You are able to shift quicker at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) which saves more gas.
12) I don’t know how to drive manual transmissions, are there automatics that are as efficient?
Continuous variable transmissions (CVT) can be just as efficient as they allow for an unlimited number of gear ratios.
13) How come all wheel drive isn’t as efficient as front wheel or rear wheel drive?
All wheel drive is heavier than traditional front wheel drive systems. Added weight means added fuel consumption.
14) How can tire pressure affect fuel consumption?
For every two pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI) your tires are underinflated, you will burn 1% more fuel, per tire.
15) How do I know the ideal tire pressure for my car?
Recommended tire pressure can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jam. Otherwise, it can be found in the owner’s manual.
16) How often should I check my tire pressure?
Once a month.
17) How do I know if my tires are filled with air or nitrogen?
The valve stem caps for tires filled with nitrogen are neon green.
18) How can I track how much fuel I use?
Drivewiser offers fuel logs which can be found in our brochures or on our website.
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