A hybrid vehicle won't give you the fuel efficiency you want unless you know how to drive it.

The biggest factor in getting great fuel economy is the person behind the wheel.

• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. This is the biggest factor in getting great mileage. If you accelerate too quickly, the gasoline engine will need to work very hard causing it to use more fuel.
• Avoid sudden stops. Look ahead, brake early, and remember that keeping the vehicle rolling (no matter how slow) will be better than slamming on the brakes and having to start again from a dead stop.
• Don't drive at such a high speed. It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you drive, the faster you go the harder the vehicle must work to overcome the wind resistance (also known as aerodynamic drag).
• Make sure the tire pressure is set to the manufacturers specifications. The easier it is to get the wheels rolling the less fuel the vehicle will consume.
• Coast as much as possible. Hybrids are designed to be able to run on just the electric motor. the longer you have the electric motor operating the vehicle the less gas you'll use.
• When you approach a stop light begin braking well in advance. This approach will help you charge the batteries better than just slamming on the brakes.

Try these tips for a week and you'll see significant gains in fuel efficiency. Remember, the fuel mileage figures you've seen for hybrids are in ideal conditions with a smooth driver. Don't expect to get these figures unless you drive accordingly. Regardless of if you drive a hybrid vehicle or not, these tips will save you money every day!!