Debunking the Myths of Hybrid Maintenance
Some drivers unfamiliar with hybrid vehicles think that their electric systems need constant, expensive maintenance. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Hybrid cars can get by with less frequent visits to the repair shop than cars with just a gasoline engine.
Hybrid cars extend their service intervals and save you money in three ways:
- Longer Engine Oil Life: Since hybrids use their electric motor at low speeds, their gasoline engines don’t experience as much wear and tear as those of non-hybrid cars. As a result, their engines need fewer oil changes and generally don’t break as often.
- Less Wear on Brake Pads: Hybrid cars use regenerative braking to charge their batteries as you remove your foot from the gas pedal. This technology naturally slows the car, causing less wear on your brake pads.
- Longer-lasting Battery: Your hybrid actually has two batteries — the hybrid battery and the regular 12-volt car battery. Unlike non-hybrid cars, hybrids don’t rely on the 12-volt battery for ignition and other heavier duties, significantly extending their lifespan.
What Kind of Maintenance Do Hybrids Need?
Although hybrids can require less frequent visits to the repair shop, they still need maintenance. They have gasoline engines, brake pads, and transmissions, so they require all the regular maintenance that non-hybrid cars do.
You should bring your hybrid in for an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. They also need regular transmission and brake fluid flushes, so it’s a good idea to let us check your hybrid vehicle twice a year.
In addition to regular hybrid car maintenance tasks, hybrids need some special attention. Hybrid car maintenance tasks include:
Battery Air Filter Replacement
Your hybrid has an air filter that keeps dirt and other contaminants off your battery. This is the most common special maintenance task that hybrids need.
Battery Cleaning
The filter won’t catch every single dirt particle. Dirty batteries can die much faster than clean ones, so you should have our technicians clean dirt and corrosion from your battery regularly.
Battery Replacement
Hybrid batteries can last up to 10 years, but they will wear out eventually. Replacing the battery is a demanding task, but our hybrid expert technicians will take care of it.
Inverter Maintenance
The inverter converts DC power stored in the battery to AC energy to power your vehicle. This process produces a lot of heat, so it’s important to keep your inverter’s coolant topped up.
DON’T DELAY YOUR HYBRID MAINTENANCE — CALL ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
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