How does a hybrid car work?

Hybrid cars use an electric motor for extra acceleration and to allow for a smaller more efficient gasoline engine. The engine converts gasoline into stored energy in the batteries. The electric motor also works to convert energy from regenerative braking into electricity that is stored in the batteries. When traveling at low speeds the computer adjusts to all electric power because, electric motors have a great deal of torque and are better suited for the loads associated with acceleration from a stand still. Once at speed the smaller gas motor can easily maintain the speed, while charging the batteries until the next time there is a load put on the vehicle.

Improving Fuel Mileage

As gas prices continue to rise, fuel mileage becomes even more important. If your car hasn't had a tune up in a while it may be time to do it. Check your tire pressure, low air pressure in tires causes poor mileage as does quick starts. Allowing your car to accelerate smoothly will improve your mileage. Make sure to change your oil and filters regularly, dirty oil does not lubricate as well as fresh oil and causes extra friction and heat in your motor.

Using a test light

Troubleshooting electrical problems is easy, first connect the ground clip to a known good ground source, the battery negative terminal is best but any grounded metal source will work. Then connect the pointed end of the test light to desired circuit to be tested. If power is present, the testlight bulb will illuminate.

Car Cranks but won't Start

What do you do when your car cranks but won't start? There are three things that need to happen inside an engine to run; fuel, compression and ignition. If any of the three are missing, the engine will not run. Sometimes the engine will have fuel, but not in sufficient pressure or volume to work. Following our troubleshooting guide above will help you figure it out quickly.

Car battery is dead overnight

Realizing that your car battery is dead and won't start your car is one of the signs you may have a problem with your electrical charging system. Of course batteries don't last forever and should be load tested to make sure they are still holding a full charge annually. You should replace your battery every 3 years regardless. Some batteries will begin to give signs that they are failing, like slowly turning over your engine when starting, while others work fine right up until the time they fail completely. If you have to repeatedly jump start your battery, it is time to see if the battery is the problem by having it load tested. If the battery is good, check to see if you have a continuous battery drain somewhere or the charging system is not working properly. Some cars have a voltage gauge where you can see if it is charging at over 14 volts while the engine is running. The smallest light left on over night will drain a brand new battery too.

Regularly scheduled maintenance is a must

Proper maintenance starts with regular service intervals. No matter how old or how many miles are on your car, keeping all your fluids and serviceable parts changed according to your manufacturers recommended schedule is a must.
6 months or 7500 miles http://www.2carpros.com/articles/7500-mile-car-service-or-every-6-months
2 years or 30,000 miles http://www.2carpros.com/articles/2-year-or-30000-mile-car-maintenance
60,000 miles http://www.2carpros.com/articles/60000-service-schedule-for-your-car

Maintaining your vehicle's heating system

Maintaining your vehicle's heating system is a must. The cold weather isn't over yet and checking your heating and cooling hoses for cracks is easy. Get a flashlight and inspect one hose at a time. The hose should feel soft and flexible. All hoses with bulges or weak spots, cracking or brittleness should be replaced.