Coolant level checks spark plug replacements, and oil changes—you know what is involved in maintaining a traditional gas vehicle. But what steps do you have to take when you have a hybrid car? Whether you own one or are planning to make the purchase, it's vital to know what maintenance this eco-friendly option may need. Not sure where to start? This guide will walk you through the basics of hybrid car maintenance.
Outline:
- Check the Car Fluids
- Routine Engine Check
- Hybrid Car Battery Maintenance
- Cooling System Check
- Inspect Your Tires
- Auxiliary Car Battery
- Tire Rotation and Pressure
- Dual Voltage System
- Check the Brushes
- Suspension Struts and Shocks
- Conclusion
Check the Car Fluids
Like combustion engines, you must also pay close attention to car fluids. Even if your car is a hybrid, it needs regular oil changes and proper oil levels. If you don't have experience checking combustion engines, call a professional hybrid repair specialist for help. They will take care of the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. However, keep in mind to go for a mechanic that specializes in hybrid vehicles.
Routine Engine Check
Part of your hybrid vehicle's engine is operated by fuel. So, you will have to do a routine engine checkup, just like you would in a traditional vehicle. Hybrid cars run on electricity and fuel, so the engine tends to wear at a slower rate than the regular vehicle. Moreover, you must inspect the engine on a regular basis to put expensive repairs at bay. Never take warning lights for granted. Once they go off, that indicates something requires checking. For sure, you don’t want your hybrid vehicle breaking down in the middle of the highway.
Hybrid Car Battery Maintenance
All models of hybrid cars come with built-in batteries for energy storage. Hybrid car batteries can travel fifteen to fifty miles once fully charged before gasoline kicks in. Maintaining appropriate battery life starts with utilizing the battery. You need to consider its capacity by draining it regularly and then recharging it to the total capacity.
A hybrid battery has a lifespan of seven to ten years. This is something to think of when deciding to purchase a hybrid car. During winter, you may require keeping the battery warm to maximize its full potential. If you don't use your hybrid vehicle daily, you may need to think of storing it in a warm place, or you can purchase a heater to sustain the appropriate temperature of your car.
Cooling System Check
Regardless of makes and models, hybrid cars have different cooling mechanisms installed. Like regular ones, some form of coolant and radiator systems are in use. However, the coolant will malfunction over time, and deposits will take place in the radiator. Once this occurs, you can rinse its mechanism and refill it with new fluid.
Inspect Your Tires
Like regular cars, hybrid vehicle tires also wear down after use. Carry out a daily maintenance inspection and check for some signs of wear and tear. Make sure also to check the tire's pressure. Good working tires have a tread depth reading of 2/32. For this, you can try the penny test. Once the tire tread doesn't reach Lincoln's head, you must replace the old tires.
Auxiliary Car Battery
The battery is the most vital component of any hybrid car. This eco-friendly vehicle is powered by electric power stored in the battery. Knowing how the battery functions is essential for the car's overall performance. During winter, the battery needs extra care, as it might get cold and will require warming up prior to driving out. Also, ensuring that your battery doesn't totally drain out before charging is a must because it may go cold. So, carry out regular maintenance and read the manual for further information.
Most hybrid cars come with two types of battery: the mass storage, which powers the electric motor, and the standard battery, which kicks off the internal combustion engine. Like your regular car, the auxiliary battery needs maintenance and requires replacement every five years.
Tire Rotation and Pressure
It is essential to check the tire rotation and pressure. According to the manufacturer's guidelines, you must inspect the tire's rotation and pressure from time to time or each time before driving your hybrid car. Be sure of the wheels' alignment and get them inspected by an expert every six to ten months.
Dual Voltage System
All hybrid cars are fitted with a dual voltage system. While many systems operate at standard voltage, the engine and its components work on more than 100 volts, which can prove risky. In case of any issue associated with the mechanism, it is recommended to visit a professional hybrid car repair expert rather than handle it yourself. Keep in mind that 100 volts of electricity can lead to serious damage and health hazard.
Check the Brushes
For hybrid cars, brushes must be inspected at regular intervals. Once the brushes are adequately maintained, they will have to be swapped after 80,000 miles or more.
Suspension Struts and Shocks
Unlike other vehicles, hybrid car suspension maintenance is costly. But, what many hybrid car owners don't know is that while it costs a lot, it is also long-lasting as opposed to other cars. Therefore, it needs regular checkups like a standard car.
As part of the suspension struts and shocks inspection, you must also check the lubrication. Proper lubrication ensures that these parts are securely in place.
Conclusion
Hybrid cars have multifaceted electric wiring mechanisms that are typically more complex than traditional ICE cars. Some mechanics may not be accustomed to hybrid vehicles. Therefore, entrust your car only to mechanics who are experienced and well-trained when it comes to hybrid car repair and maintenance.
A routine maintenance schedule is a smart way to keep your hybrid car running smoothly through the years. Always remember to inspect your tires, know how the battery functions, and be proactive when warning lights appear. By dealing with the skilled mechanics at Carlax Quality Automotive, your peace of mind and safety are guaranteed. So, book an appointment now!
Coolant level checks spark plug replacements, and oil changes—you know what is involved in maintaining a traditional gas vehicle. But what steps do you have to take when you have a hybrid car? Whether you own one or are planning to make the purchase, it's vital to know what maintenance this eco-friendly option may need. Not sure where to start? This guide will walk you through the basics of hybrid car maintenance.
Outline:
- Check the Car Fluids
- Routine Engine Check
- Hybrid Car Battery Maintenance
- Cooling System Check
- Inspect Your Tires
- Auxiliary Car Battery
- Tire Rotation and Pressure
- Dual Voltage System
- Check the Brushes
- Suspension Struts and Shocks
- Conclusion
Check the Car Fluids
Like combustion engines, you must also pay close attention to car fluids. Even if your car is a hybrid, it needs regular oil changes and proper oil levels. If you don't have experience checking combustion engines, call a professional hybrid repair specialist for help. They will take care of the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. However, keep in mind to go for a mechanic that specializes in hybrid vehicles.
Routine Engine Check
Part of your hybrid vehicle's engine is operated by fuel. So, you will have to do a routine engine checkup, just like you would in a traditional vehicle. Hybrid cars run on electricity and fuel, so the engine tends to wear at a slower rate than the regular vehicle. Moreover, you must inspect the engine on a regular basis to put expensive repairs at bay. Never take warning lights for granted. Once they go off, that indicates something requires checking. For sure, you don’t want your hybrid vehicle breaking down in the middle of the highway.
Hybrid Car Battery Maintenance
All models of hybrid cars come with built-in batteries for energy storage. Hybrid car batteries can travel fifteen to fifty miles once fully charged before gasoline kicks in. Maintaining appropriate battery life starts with utilizing the battery. You need to consider its capacity by draining it regularly and then recharging it to the total capacity.
A hybrid battery has a lifespan of seven to ten years. This is something to think of when deciding to purchase a hybrid car. During winter, you may require keeping the battery warm to maximize its full potential. If you don't use your hybrid vehicle daily, you may need to think of storing it in a warm place, or you can purchase a heater to sustain the appropriate temperature of your car.
Cooling System Check
Regardless of makes and models, hybrid cars have different cooling mechanisms installed. Like regular ones, some form of coolant and radiator systems are in use. However, the coolant will malfunction over time, and deposits will take place in the radiator. Once this occurs, you can rinse its mechanism and refill it with new fluid.
Inspect Your Tires
Like regular cars, hybrid vehicle tires also wear down after use. Carry out a daily maintenance inspection and check for some signs of wear and tear. Make sure also to check the tire's pressure. Good working tires have a tread depth reading of 2/32. For this, you can try the penny test. Once the tire tread doesn't reach Lincoln's head, you must replace the old tires.
Auxiliary Car Battery
The battery is the most vital component of any hybrid car. This eco-friendly vehicle is powered by electric power stored in the battery. Knowing how the battery functions is essential for the car's overall performance. During winter, the battery needs extra care, as it might get cold and will require warming up prior to driving out. Also, ensuring that your battery doesn't totally drain out before charging is a must because it may go cold. So, carry out regular maintenance and read the manual for further information.
Most hybrid cars come with two types of battery: the mass storage, which powers the electric motor, and the standard battery, which kicks off the internal combustion engine. Like your regular car, the auxiliary battery needs maintenance and requires replacement every five years.
Tire Rotation and Pressure
It is essential to check the tire rotation and pressure. According to the manufacturer's guidelines, you must inspect the tire's rotation and pressure from time to time or each time before driving your hybrid car. Be sure of the wheels' alignment and get them inspected by an expert every six to ten months.
Dual Voltage System
All hybrid cars are fitted with a dual voltage system. While many systems operate at standard voltage, the engine and its components work on more than 100 volts, which can prove risky. In case of any issue associated with the mechanism, it is recommended to visit a professional hybrid car repair expert rather than handle it yourself. Keep in mind that 100 volts of electricity can lead to serious damage and health hazard.
Check the Brushes
For hybrid cars, brushes must be inspected at regular intervals. Once the brushes are adequately maintained, they will have to be swapped after 80,000 miles or more.
Suspension Struts and Shocks
Unlike other vehicles, hybrid car suspension maintenance is costly. But, what many hybrid car owners don't know is that while it costs a lot, it is also long-lasting as opposed to other cars. Therefore, it needs regular checkups like a standard car.
As part of the suspension struts and shocks inspection, you must also check the lubrication. Proper lubrication ensures that these parts are securely in place.
Conclusion
Hybrid cars have multifaceted electric wiring mechanisms that are typically more complex than traditional ICE cars. Some mechanics may not be accustomed to hybrid vehicles. Therefore, entrust your car only to mechanics who are experienced and well-trained when it comes to hybrid car repair and maintenance.
A routine maintenance schedule is a smart way to keep your hybrid car running smoothly through the years. Always remember to inspect your tires, know how the battery functions, and be proactive when warning lights appear. By dealing with the skilled mechanics at Carlax Quality Automotive, your peace of mind and safety are guaranteed. So, book an appointment now!
