by Gabrielle DeSantis

No car is more iconic than the Toyota Prius when it comes to hybrid models. However, while the reputation of the iconic Toyota hybrid is well-earned, it’s not actually the most fuel-efficient hybrid car on the market. Here’s a look at how the 2021 Toyota Prius ultimately only made it to second place for fuel economy in the hybrid segment.

The Toyota Prius has always been the car to beat

While the Tesla company’s latest adventures in the EV segment might make headlines, it wasn’t that long ago when the Prius was the biggest name in the game. When people wanted a fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly car, they looked no further than at the Prius available at their local Toyota dealership. The model’s popularity was seen in its sales numbers too, and it showed automakers that a lot of people wanted fuel-efficient cars. 

Due to the success of the Toyota Prius, it wasn’t long before automakers rolled out hybrid options for a long list of other cars. That said, despite the increased competition in the hybrid segment, the Prius has, generally speaking, maintained its dominance. It’s done that by simply doing what it’s been doing for the last decade or so. Not only is the Toyota brand’s beloved hybrid model reliable and safe, but it’s also convenient due to its price point and its fuel economy.

What hybrid won this year?

According to MotorTrend, the Toyota Prius gets a max fuel economy of 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on highways, for 56 mpg combined. This is an incredible fuel economy for its price tag, which starts at about $25,000. With that said, despite getting that great fuel economy, the Prius only landed in second place. 

First, it’s important to note that the baseline model has a maximum fuel economy of 56 mpg, but other Prius options don’t. However, as MotorTrend wrote, all models and options will get at least 49 mpg combined. On top of that, all Prius models will have the same hybrid powertrain. However, Toyota offers many additional options for the model, such as the Prime Limited Hatchback, which costs about $34,000. 

However, if you don’t want those options and instead get the standard model, the Prius Eco, then that’s how you’ll hit that high fuel economy number. That’s because the standard Prius has many features, such as smaller wheels, that ultimately improve its fuel economy. Those improvements, however, were not enough to allow it to beat the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

How the Prius compares to the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

It was a close race, but according to MotorTrend, the Ioniq’s 59 combined mpg slightly edged out the combined 56 mpg of the Prius. That said, other than a 3 mpg difference, the Ioniq is a very similar car to the Toyota hybrid. For example, the Ioniq starts at about $24,000 at almost the same price tag. Additionally, both cars are relatively reliable, and they both have quite a few standard smart safety features. 

However, while they have a lot of similarities, they also have many differences. For instance, MotorTrend complimented the Ioniq’s interior while it didn’t have nice things to say about the Prius in that regard. On the other hand, the Prius definitely has a more iconic and recognizable look than the Ioniq.

RELATED: These 4 Used Toyota Prius Models Under $20,000 Are Consumer Reports-Approved

The post The 2021 Toyota Prius Only Made It to No. 2 on This List of the Most Fuel-Efficient Small Cars appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Of all the appliances you have in your house, you probably use the vacuum cleaner the most. You need it to remove messes that could make your home seem unlivable. However, as sturdy as these machines are, there’s a limit to the amount of abuse they can take. Without proper maintenance, they can malfunction and leave you infuriated when you need them the most. 

So, to ensure your safety and your vacuum cleaner’s longevity, here several things you should never do with this household machine, according to The Spruce.

Don’t vacuum up liquids

Running the machine over spilled milk, a puddle of water, or any other liquid is a recipe for disaster. Don’t do it. 

Regular vacuum cleaners are not made to pick up liquids. Electrocution will likely occur once the machine sucks up water. This is a serious health risk and could also result in serious damage to the device.

If you get lucky and emerge unharmed, you’ll still have another problem on your hands: emptying the dust bag or bin, which will now be wet and messy.

If you want to vacuum liquids, you should buy a specialized machine that can pick up water without any risk of electrocution. Wet/dry vacuums are modestly priced, so you can get one to clean up wet messes in your home. But never use your regular machine for such cleanups.   

Don’t vacuum up hard objects 

This is a common habit most people tend to assume causes no harm to a vacuum. As you’re vacuuming, you might spot a small stone, coin, or screw on the floor. The wisest thing to do is stop and pick it up rather than hum the machine over the object and hope for the best. 

Hard objects could damage the machine’s interior parts or get stuck in places where they cannot be removed easily. Though only one object might not cause this kind of damage, the habit becomes all too common, and before you know it, your machine stops working. 

Don’t use the vacuum cleaner when it’s overfilled

You should always empty the dust bag or bin once you notice it’s at capacity. Failing to empty it will lead to the machine’s reduced performance, risking overheating and damage. Even when you’re in a hurry, avoid assuming the machine can handle just one more cleanup before you empty the dust bag or bin.

Plus, you can get more suction out of the machine if you empty it. Regular emptying also ensures less stress on the motor, and the vacuum cleaner can last longer.  

Don’t throw away the machine once it loses suction

You might assume your vacuum is too old and needs replacement because it fails to pick up dirt at the rate you were used to. The Spruce suggests these solutions to returning your machine to proper working order: 

• First, ensure the dust bag or bin is empty. Many vacuum cleaners will function poorly when the dust bin or bad is full or nearly full. 
• Second, check for blockages in the machine. Unplug it from the power outlet first and inspect for such blockages. Check the hose and the openings where the hose connects to the machine. 
• Finally, ensure the brush roll is functioning properly. Remove any hair or carpet fibers that have built up around it, preventing it from turning freely. You might be amazed at how rejuvenated the machine will be after you clean the brush roll.

Don’t vacuum over the cord 

Even though vacuum power cords tend to be tough, the spinning brushes inside the machine could fray or wear a cord. Over time, such damage could make the machine unsafe for use due to the risk of electrocution.  

Don’t assume the motor is broken 

If your vacuum cleaner powers off in the middle of a cleaning session, either once or repeatedly, you might assume that the motor is burning out. Your next step might be to shop for a new machine. 

However, it could be that the motor overheated because the dust bag was full, or the brush roll was blocked by hair or carpet fragments. Try to solve such issues; then switch the machine back on. 

Your vacuum cleaner may have an automatic shutoff function to restart it once the motor cools. Other models have a manual reset button. If yours lacks such a button, you can refer to the user manual for instructions on resetting it.    

Avoiding the above don’ts will help ensure your vacuum cleaner retains its suction and remains working properly. Also, inspect it from time to time to note signs of damage. 

RELATED: 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021 According to Consumer Reports

The post You Should Never Do This With Your Vacuum Cleaner appeared first on MotorBiscuit.