3 Tips to Maximize Hybrid Car Battery Life

Although hybrid car battery life has been greatly improved over the last several years, batteries used in hybrid vehicles will eventually need to be replaced. Therefore, it is important that you try to maximize your hybrid cars battery life as much as possible. Most of today's modern hybrid vehicles come with a battery that is designed to last more than 100,000 miles (and some manufacturers are even producing batteries that are rated to last more than 150,000 miles); however, with proper care and maintenance you can get much more life out of the battery. So, here are a few tips to help you use the battery in your hybrid vehicle for as long as possible.

Coasting to a Stop

Besides using the braking system to help charge the electric battery in your hybrid vehicle, your hybrid car also generates kinetic energy when coasting that is used to charge and cycle the battery. So, you should attempt to learn to coast to a stop as often as possible. Simply placing your car in neutral and rolling to a complete stop rather than using your brake too early will help keep your cars electric engine battery charged and help maintain levels that will increase the life of the battery. You can use this method effectively when driving down steep hills are inclines as well. However, when coasting, you should always be very careful and be aware of other vehicles and potential obstacles. You should also make sure to allow yourself adequate distance and spacing from other vehicles before coasting.

Avoid Jack Rabbit Starts

Whenever a hybrid vehicle is stopped at a stop sign or signal light, the hybrid vehicle will usually shut down the gas engine and uses electricity only. If you press your foot very lightly on the gas pedal in order to start your car moving again, you will probably be able to drive on electric power only rather than starting the gas engine. This will not only help to cycle your battery, but it will also give you much better fuel economy as well. This method may take a little used to as you are required to start off a little more slowly than usual; however, you should be able to get the hang of it after a couple of driving sessions. The results of this method alone will save you a lot of money in the end.