Hybrid cars have been around for a long time, and for the past 30 years or so, they’ve grown in popularity. Are they more expensive than standard, gas-powered cars? Do they require different maintenance to keep running? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more about hybrid maintenance.
Do hybrid cars require different maintenance than standard cars?
Generally, no, hybrids do not require different maintenance. A gas-electric hybrid car still requires regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake replacements, and other standard car maintenance. In some cases, a hybrid might need maintenance less often than a standard, gas-powered car. The electrical system in a hybrid can take stress off of the engine, and if there’s a regenerative braking system, this can take stress off of the brakes. Both of these systems can lead to longer periods of time between things like oil changes and brake replacements, but neither one eliminates the need altogether. Overall, regular vehicle maintenance will cost about the same for hybrids as it will for gas-powered cars.
Hybrid Maintenance Tips
- Stick to the maintenance schedule—Just like gas-powered cars, hybrids come with an owner’s manual and a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Following this can help your hybrid to run better longer. The owner’s manual can help you determine the best type of oil for your hybrid, the best size of tire, and other important details to keep your hybrid well-maintained.
- Check the batteries—Most hybrids come with two batteries. There’s the standard battery, like what you might find in a gas-powered car, that powers the gas engine, the lights, the radio, and other electronics. There’s also the hybrid battery that powers the electric engine. This second battery often comes with a longer warranty than the standard battery, and it may be expensive to replace. It’s built to last for a while, but it’s still a good idea to check it and make sure everything is working properly.
- Maintain the transmission— A lot of hybrids utilize an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). This type of transmission helps to cut down on the lag between pressing the accelerator pedal and the actual acceleration of the vehicle. It also converts power from the combustion engine (the gas-powered engine) into electricity for the hybrid battery. Without a working transmission, the battery won’t be able to recharge, so maintaining the E-CVT is critical for the vehicle to function.
- Check the tires—Like a gas-powered car, tire pressure is important for hybrid vehicles. A hybrid’s tires can go through the same wear and tear as any other car’s tires, and they need to be properly inflated, rotated, and balanced to last a long time. You should also keep an eye on tread depth to ensure a safe grip on the road.
- Check the brakes—Like the battery and oil changes, a hybrid’s brakes may last longer than those on a gas-powered car. Most hybrids are outfitted with a regenerative brake system. Instead of relying solely on friction to slow the vehicle, regenerative braking aims to redirect the energy created by a car’s motion into electricity to power the hybrid battery. Hybrids with regenerative brake systems also have traditional friction brakes as a back-up. Because these aren’t used as often, they may become rusty from disuse. It’s important to check both brake systems to ensure they’re working properly.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for help.
If you need help maintaining a hybrid car, call Restored Auto, LLC. We can help with oil changes, tire rotations, brake replacements, and more. Call us today to schedule your hybrid maintenance!