As the evidence of global warming becomes more obvious, governments, companies, and consumers all over the world are looking for ways to “go green.” Products and technologies that produce less carbon emissions are popular ways to green up. Hybrid cars are part of this green movement. But just how fuel efficient is a hybrid vehicle, and how green are they? The article below will explore these questions, as well as explain how a hybrid vehicle works.

How Hybrid Vehicles Work
Any vehicle that combines two sources of power is considered a hybrid. There are several types of hybrids—gasoline-electric, diesel-electric, and nuclear-electric (found in submarines). The most common type of hybrid is the gasoline-electric. In a standard gasoline engine, gasoline supplies power to the engine, which in turn supplies power to the transmission, which turns the wheels. In a straight electric vehicle, powerful batteries provide power to an electric motor, which turns the transmission and thus, the wheels. Gasoline-electric hybrids use both technologies.

Gasoline-electric hybrids have:

• a (smaller) gasoline motor
• a gasoline fuel tank
• an electric motor
• batteries
• transmission
• in some cases, it may also have a generator

Gasoline-electric hybrids use both the gasoline and electric motors to power the transmission. When and how the gasoline and electric motors specifically operate depends on the hybrid model. In general, however, the gasoline motor is primarily used at start-up, when accelerating at higher speeds, running at higher speeds, and whenever the vehicle is under strain—climbing mountain passes, for example.

So, what does the electric motor do? The electric motor provides extra power to the transmission, so it’s not relying on the gasoline motor alone. Under certain driving circumstances, the electric motor can power the vehicle alone. At speeds less than 15 mph hour, for example, the gasoline motor isn’t needed, and in most models, will shut off completely.

As in the straight electric vehicle, a series of batteries power the electric motor. These batteries can be charged while driving, capturing any excess energy the vehicle is producing. When decelerating or braking, for example, energy is put into the batteries.

How Fuel Efficient are Hybrids?

The fuel efficiency in hybrids is achieved by several means.

• an efficient electric motor
• a smaller, lighter gasoline motor
• aerodynamics
• light-weight materials

Many standard vehicles also use these means—except for the electric motor, of course—to achieve fuel efficiency, and many smaller standard vehicles get comparable gas mileage. While the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid is reported to get between 45-48 mpg, the Nissan Altima Hybrid only reports 33-35 mpg. In sum, the fuel efficiency of hybrids varies widely, and may or may not be better than a standard gasoline engine, or, especially, a standard diesel engine.

How Green are Hybrids?
While most hybrid vehicles do consume less gasoline than standard gasoline engines, they do still consume gasoline, which still contributes to global warming. In addition, a standard gasoline engine in good condition and getting the same miles to the gallon as a hybrid produces the same amount of emissions. Therefore, to truly make a hybrid significantly greener than a standard vehicle, additional batteries and a plug-in station are needed.

Note: Diesel engines are significantly more fuel efficient than gasoline engines, and can easily compete with the mpg of a hybrid. Though the past’s diesel engines were “dirty,” today’s diesel technology is exceptionally cleaner. A diesel running biofuel, or mixed with biofuel, is another green alternative.

How about those batteries? The good news is, they aren’t lead-acid batteries found in typical vehicles. Hybrid batteries are composed of hundreds of cells of nickel-metal hydride, which has a much lower environmental impact. Nickel-metal hydride is rechargeable and recyclable. The downside is, the components of the batteries must still be mined, and mining isn’t generally environmentally friendly.

And what about that plug-in station? If your electricity is generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar, you’re good to go. If you plug into an outlet whose electricity is generated from a coal fired power plant, that’s not so good. If you have no idea where your power comes from, chances are it’s being generated from coal, nuclear, or natural gas.

Pros and Cons

Hybrid vehicles have advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Hybrids are quiet.
• Hybrids, on average, get better fuel economy than standard gasoline engines.
• Hybrids produce less pollution than a standard gasoline engine, but only if they’re getting better gas mileage.
• Advances technology and consumer awareness.
• Qualifies for a one-time tax credit.

Cons:

• Price of vehicle. Hybrids can cost around $10,000 more than a standard vehicle.
• Price of batteries. Although most companies claim their batteries will last the life of the car, batteries are prone to dying, and batteries are expensive to replace.
• Cost of maintaining a hybrid vehicle is more expensive than the cost of maintaining a standard vehicle.
• Hybrids are only greener if their getting more miles to the gallon. They are still producing carbon emissions, however.

So, are hybrid vehicles truly greener? In many circumstances, yes. How much greener depends on the vehicle’s actual fuel economy, however.

Performing regular inspections of your vehicle’s key fluids and components (along with following the manufacturer’s recommended tune-up schedule) can add years of life to your car, saving you money on costly fixes that could have been prevented. While most vehicle maintenance should be performed by a qualified mechanic, there are several things every vehicle owner can and should know how to do. Fluid checks, visual checks, and auditory checks are easy and only take a few minutes of your time, and they can catch potential problems early, or prevent them entirely. As a bonus, knowing how to perform these easy checks on your vehicle will help you understand how vehicles work, so the next time something does go wrong with your car, you’re better equipped to deal with it, and more knowledgeable about the problem.

Fluid Checks
All of your vehicle’s main parts—the engine, the transmission, the brakes, the steering, and so on, run on fluid. Much like a human body requires water to live, a vehicle cannot go without these vital fluids.

Oil
By checking your engine oil regularly, you will be able to tell if your vehicle is leaking oil, or if there is a change, or potential change, in your engine’s performance. Frequent low oil levels could indicate a leak in the system, and a change in the color, texture, or smell of your oil could indicate a change in how your engine is functioning, especially if the same engine oil is used every time you change your oil. (Note: Engine oil should be drained and replaced every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on your vehicle and the type of oil used. Always change the oil filter at this time, as well.)

Checking your vehicle’s engine oil requires using a dipstick. It should be easy to locate your vehicle’s dipstick, as it will usually have a brightly colored handle, such as yellow or red, and be located near the front of your engine. Remove the dipstick, and wipe it clean on a rag or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick, remove, and check for level. The dipstick will have marks on it to indicate how much oil your vehicle needs. If the amount of oil in your car is less than recommended, you will need to add oil.

If your vehicle needs oil, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for what type of oil to use. Auto supply stores will also know, and be able to advise you on synthetic alternatives.

Note: Some mechanic’s recommend you check your oil after the vehicle has been running, but has cooled for a minimum of five minutes.

Transmission
To maintain the life of your transmission and keep it shifting smoothly, check your transmission fluid regularly, and have it replaced at specific intervals. To check your automatic transmission fluid, park your vehicle on level ground, and leave the engine running. (Manual transmissions are harder to perform checks on. Consult your manual, or take it to a mechanic.) Locate the dipstick for the transmission. It is usually smaller than the dipstick for the engine, but may also be brightly colored. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean, and reinsert. Remove the dipstick again and check for level. If the level is low, you mostly likely have a leak in the system and will need to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you need to add fluid before fixing the problem, consult your manual for which type of fluid to use, as each vehicle is different, and many require specific types of fluid.

Also check the fluid’s color. Normal transmission fluid should appear reddish in color. If it is dark brown, or even black, in color, a transmission flush will be necessary.

Brakes
Low brake fluids levels indicate a leak in the system, as the brake lines, like the transmission, is a sealed system. Leaky brake lines are a hazard for you and every driver on the road, as they can lead to failed brakes.

To check the fluid level, locate the brake fluid reservoir and make sure it is at least 2/3 full. If not, be sure to add the correct fluid, and schedule and appointment with your mechanic to find the source of your leak.

Power Steering
If your power steering fails, it will be very difficult to steer your car, so be sure and keep this system operating. To check it, find the power steering reservoir and remove the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean, and reinsert, checking for level. If your reservoir is clear and doesn’t have a dipstick, you should be able to visually inspect for level. If the level is low, add the correct fluid, and schedule and appointment with your mechanic to find out if you have a leak.

Radiator
Note: Never check the radiator fluid when your vehicle is hot! The contents of the radiator are under pressure and can burn you!

The radiator is located at the front of the vehicle. To check for coolant levels, remove the radiator cap and visually look at the level of fluid. If it’s near the top, you’re good to go. If you can’t see it, it’s time to do something, as lack of radiator fluid will cause your engine to overheat. Coolant is typically 50 percent water to 50 percent coolant. However, straight water will work if you’re in a pinch.

Battery
While most batteries anymore are sealed systems and shouldn’t be tampered with, some vehicles still use traditional six cells that need occasional refilling. Consult the following Edmunds’ article for more information.

Windshield Wiper
Perhaps the most common DIY vehicle maintenance, checking and filling your vehicles windshield wiper fluid is intuitive and largely error-free. As long as you locate the correct reservoir, not much can go wrong. A simple visual inspection should tell you if you’re low. To add more, a funnel is handy. Check out Useful Things’ Collapsible Silicone Funnel if you’re in the market for one. They fit easily into toolboxes and small drawers.

Visual Checks
It’s sometimes easy to spot problems or potential problems with your vehicle just by looking.

For starters, walk around the vehicle and look for any loose parts or anything else out of the ordinary.

Next, pop the hood and take a look around. Even if you don’t know much about cars, you will probably be able to see if oil has sprayed everywhere, if a hose is loose, or a belt is worn.

After taking a look under the hood, get a look at the underside of your vehicle. Are there dark spots where you park? If so, you probably have an oil leak. How does the muffler look? Is it loose? What about your tires? Do any appear low or weather checked?

Auditory Checks
It will be obvious if you have a squeaking belt, but other sounds can be harder to hear. To get a good sense of what your vehicle normally sounds like, listen it to it when it’s in good working condition. How does it sound when your start it up? When you shut it down? Listen from both inside the vehicle and outside, as both will give you different auditory experiences. Also, pay attention to how it sounds while being driven. Once you get a good sense of what your vehicle should sound like, you’ll know when something is wrong, or going wrong.

Sounds that could indicate a potential problem include:

• Clunks
• Hisses
• Pops
• Rattles
• Banging
• Unusual whirring

How-to Change Your Own Oil
If you want to take your DIY vehicle maintenance to the next level. Try changing your own oil. Here is Edmunds Step-by-Step Tutorial, and video from Video Jug.

Routine Maintenance For Cars: How To Change Your Oil

If using public transportation, purchasing a more fuel efficient car, or traveling via foot or bike isn’t a viable option for you, the tips below will help you drive smarter and greener with the car you currently own. Smart driving and regular vehicle maintenance can save you money and reduce air pollution by cutting fuel consumption. And it’s easy, too! All of the tips highlighted below take minimal time and effort, but could save your wallet, and the environment, big in the end.

Check It
Fuel mileage that is. Don’t assume your vehicle is getting the gas mileage the sticker said it would. After you fill up, note the number of gallons you put in the tank and the mileage you went. When you get home, pull out the trusty calculator and divide your mileage by the gallons it took to fill up. The number you see is how many miles you traveled per gallon of gas. Check your mileage every time, and if you notice your miles per gallon consistently decreasing, start investigating.

Tune It
Regular vehicle maintenance can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 30%, which in turn reduces the amount of pollutants your car emits into the air. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to save money just by keeping your vehicle in top shape. Check out these stats from The Daily Green and Tripnet.org.

• Regular tune-ups that include changing your oil, replacing your air filter, and aligning your tires can reduce fuel consumption by 10%.

• Selecting the right motor oil improves gas mileage by 1-2%.

• The wrong tire pressure can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 3%. Make a habit out of checking your tire pressure every time you fill up with gas.

• A leaking gas cap can contribute 175 pounds of air pollution per year.

• Immediately repair any air conditioning leaks, as your refrigerant may contain chlorofluorocarbons which contributes to air pollution.

Lighten It
A heavy foot, as well as a heavy load, increases fuel consumption.

For every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60, you lose 7% of your fuel efficiency. In the 1970s, the government instituted the 55 mph law during the gas shortage for this very reason.

Keep a steady pace, at a reasonable speed, and avoid quick acceleration and hard braking.

For every extra 100 pounds you carry in your car, your fuel consumption goes up by 2%.

More Smart Driving Tips
Using an engine heater in cold climates makes your vehicle run more efficiently, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Don’t idle. Idling wastes fuel, and new cars don’t need to be warmed up for more than a few seconds.

Live closer to where you work, shop, and travel.

The Drive Smarter Challenge
Find out how much money you can save on fuel by taking the Drive Smarter Challenge. To start the challenge, click the link above. Once you’re at the site, follow their simple instructions, and in only minutes, you will be on your way to a slimmed down gas budget. All you have to do is enter your zip code, the make and model of your car, the year, and the number of cylinders your engine runs off of. From there, accept or decline their tips, and at the end, you will be presented with a dollar amount that corresponds to your savings. You can even enter your contact info and receive money-saving coupons.

Articles to Read and Sites to Visit

“Green Driving 101″
via The Daily Green

“Green Driving Tips: Information About Environmentally Friendly Driving”
via Tripnet.org

“Four Easy Tips to Improve Gas Mileage and Save Money”
via The Daily Green

“The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2009 Cars and SUVs”
via The Daily Green

Gas Buddy, check fuel prices in your area

Are you tired of shelling out hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars every time you take your car to the mechanic? Do your mechanical problems continue even after you’ve had your vehicle “fixed”? You’re not getting the best deal and service available. David Solomon, a certified master auto mechanic and the chairman of MotorWatch, shares his thoughts on how to find the best auto mechanic with The Bottom Line. His tips include:

Picking the right shop—when to choose a dealership, a chain store, or an independent mechanic.

Check trade associations, such as The Automotive Service Association or The International Automotive Technicians Network, for a list of preferred shops. For best results, verify that the shop you’re using is listed with at least two associations.

How-to spot a shoddy shop. A ban on checks and a lot full of abandoned cars are two signs.

He also suggests listening to talk radio, which often features call-in talk shows on automotive issues.

There are honest, hard-working, and fair mechanics out there. Don’t get stuck paying more than you should, or paying for work that doesn’t get done correctly.

“How to Find the Best Auto Mechanic” by David Solomon, for The Bottom Line

Most new vehicles are now equipped with a GPS navigational system that saves drivers time and feeds them important road condition information, but in these days of sky-high gas prices, many people are opting for smaller, gas-saving vehicles, including motorcycles. The Traffic Assist 100 from Becker is a rugged, weather-proof GPS system designed for such weather-exposed vehicles.

Known as the “Crocodile,” the Traffic Assist 100 features a crystal-clear 4.3 inch widescreen full-color display with a guidance system that makes it easier for bikers to see the screen in poor weather conditions. Other features include a 2 GB memory, 3-D terrain view, 3-D city view, lane information for safe lane selection, motorway traffic signs, and a touch-screen for easy operation.

The “Crocodile” will officially launch in October at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. It will cost around 300.00 Euros, or $430 U.S. dollars.

Read about the “Crocodile” GPS in Business Wire