I bought myself a hybrid camry a month or so ago. And please, don't tell me its not worth the gas savings. I know all the math and I love my new car. Just as an engineer I am curious - there must be savings on the pads because some braking is done by the engine.
2006-08-19 12:55:29 · 3 answers · asked by Dr Dan 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I don't think the miniscule decrease in pad wear will ever be used as a selling feature. Mainly because pad life is highly dependent on your personal driving habits.
I'm glad you bought a hybrid and hope others keep buying them. That way by the time I'm ready, they'll have worked out all the bugs and proved any potential savings.
Also, in one of the design magazines they have an article on the new military HEMTT by Oshkosh that utilizes a diesel-electric (i.e. one on the original 'hybrid' concepts) power. It requires a smaller diesel and saves fuel. Of course this concept goes back decades. What was 'old' is new again!
2006-08-19 16:30:11 · answer #1 · answered by Mack Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Savings on brake jobs would really depend on what type of driving you do.
If you don't do a lot of driving and you live in a salty environment (coastal, or where road salt is used in winter), you might have faster wear than you'd expect, caused by rust that never gets worn off by the low usage.
If you are a high-mileage driver, you can go a long distance on the brakes before you'll need to change them out, as you have less wear on the brakes thanks to the motor acting as a generator and slowing you down.
(The engine will only provide braking if you are using the "B" mode for engine braking (like a jake brake).)
2006-08-21 03:57:45 · answer #2 · answered by mrvadeboncoeur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure the savings is miniscule considering that brake pads aren't THAT expensive & are formulated to give extremely long wear.
2006-08-19 14:26:45 · answer #3 · answered by mnm75932 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋