Why Hybrid Cars Are Better

You drive a conventional car with an internal-combustion engine. It has torque. It has speed. It has a 3-CD changer. Your best friend buys the same car, but the hybrid version. What’s so great about the hybrid anyway? Here are some of the favorable differences you will see in the hybrid version of your car versus the conventional version:

Gas mileage- If you’re driving the hybrid version of a conventional car, you can expect at least 30 more miles per gallon than the conventional. For example, if your conventional vehicle gets 32 miles per gallon, you can expect your hybrid to achieve 62 or more miles per gallon, effectively cutting your monthly gas expenditure by half! Hybrids are also looking to the future, where they may be able to achieve upwards of 100 miles per gallon.

Less frequent oil changes- A conventional car needs an oil change every 3,000 miles. Some hybrid cars may only need an oil change every 5,000 or 6,000 miles. If you drive 1,000 miles per month, you will only need to have your oil changed twice per year instead of four times!

Reduced effects on the environment- Since hybrid cars depend on two types of energy for power, electricity and gasoline, they use less gasoline and produce fewer emissions of greenhouse gases. This effectively reduces the effect on the ozone, reduces smog and reduces the depletion of the world’s oil stores.

Smart car- Most hybrids automatically shut off the engine when you are idling or going less than 15 miles per hour and automatically turn the engine on when you press down on the accelerator. Hybrids also kick in the electric motor when you are going uphill, to help reduce the strain on the engine and the need for gasoline. Many hybrids also automatically convert lost energy from braking and coasting to electricity and store that energy in the battery for later use.

Repairs- Hybrid cars do have some advanced technology, but for the most part, they are just like a conventional car. This means that hybrid owners get all of the above benefits and also retain the ability to take their car to a dealer or regular auto shop for body work, repairs and regular maintenance. The only difference hybrid owners have to worry about is the battery pack. Repairing a hybrid car is basically the same as conventional cars but owners will need to become familiar with the newer technology and parts.

Safety- It’s no secret that hybrid cars are safer than conventional cars, but not many people truly understand why they’re so much safer. Hybrid cars have a nickel-laid battery rather than the lead acid battery of conventional cars and use less gasoline so there is less potential for disaster in the event of an accident.

Hybrid cars are better for many reasons other than those listed above, but it is up to you, the individual consumer, to make the final decision on whether a hybrid truly is better for you and right for lifestyle.