5 benefits of driving a hybrid that may come as a surprise

5 benefits of driving a hybrid that may come as a surprise


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When it's time to buy a new car, it may seem like every dealership you pass has the "best deals in town" or the "highest-quality used cars." Choosing your next car is a big decision that only comes once every few years (well, for most) so make sure you're considering all your options.

For instance, have you ever thought about buying a hybrid? Here are some hidden advantages to hybrids you probably don't know about.

No emissions testing

Most everyone knows that hybrid cars get great gas mileage, but did you know that because of that slow-sipping engine, it might not need an emissions test? Because hybrid cars produce fewer greenhouse gases, some states have exempted them from required emissions testing and the attendant hassle and cost.

5 benefits of driving a hybrid that may come as a surprise

In Utah, emissions may vary from county to county, however “all vehicles six years and older require an annual emissions test,” according to dmv.org. The website also states that Cache County has some exclusions. Details can be seen here.

Less 'idle' time

If you have a long commute in traffic that is frequently bumper to bumper, having a car that automatically switches off the gasoline engine when it's idling can have a big environmental impact.

"Once [a hybrid] has rolled to a stop, the internal combustion engine under the hood of a hybrid car is instantly shut down to conserve fuel and eliminate emissions," according to autobytel.com.

The car's battery will enable you to continue to work the other functions in your car, including the climate control and radio, but the engine won't switch back on until you start moving again.

In fact, the battery alone has enough power to propel the car at slow speeds, which means the gas engine won't reengage when you're just coasting along. The ignition will automatically turn over when more speed is necessary.

Ride alone in the HOV lane

5 benefits of driving a hybrid that may come as a surprise

If you've ever felt jealous of the high-occupancy vehicles speeding by in the nearly empty HOV lane on your way to work, you might be interested to know that in some places, hybrids qualify to take these lanes, too, and you needn't have another person in the car.

Utah is no stranger to this perk. DMV.org states, "Drivers of vehicles that meet certain clean-fuel and emissions standards may use Utah’s Express Lanes... as a single occupant, provided they have a Clean Fuel Decal and Permit." See which cars qualify here and here.

Tax incentives

Depending on the type of hybrid car you own, you might also qualify for federal or state tax incentives. "Plug in hybrid-electric vehicles purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500," according to fueleconomy.gov. "The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle."

Look up your vehicle on fueleconomy.gov to see how much credit you could get. Vehicles which qualify for the full amount include 2011-15 Chevy Volts, the 2014 i3 Sedan with range extender, and the 2014 Cadillac ELR.

A private driving tutor

You may not know it, but the way you're driving your car could be driving up your gasoline bill. However, certain hybrid models come equipped with a driving tutor system that helps teach you how to maximize your gas mileage with easy tips and tricks.

Autobytel.com said the system "rewards owners for being easy on the throttle and for planning out their braking." The less sudden accelerating you do between traffic lights, the less energy you waste when you have to use the brake. And since hybrid car batteries recharge during braking, it's more important than ever that you brake slowly in order to maximize your recharge time.

Fueleconomy.gov estimates that the average driver using a driving tutor device could "improve gas milage by about 10 percent," which adds up over time.

Here is a list of hybrids for sale on KSL Cars.

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