Hybrid cars have the edge over conventional vehicles, which is why they are costlier than the latter. Unlike traditional cars, hybrid automobiles don't need much maintenance on their parts. But that doesn't mean that a hybrid car doesn't need care. As the components, particularly the batteries, are costly, you need to know how to maintain your hybrid vehicle.
Outline
- Brake Maintenance
- Engine Wear Check
- Car Fluids Top-up
- Manufacturer Suggested Maintenance Schedule
- Check the Tires
- Oil Changes
- Battery Maintenance
- Auxiliary Car Battery
- Battery Filter Maintenance
- Cooling System Check
- Conclusion
Brake Maintenance
Like the usual gas car, your hybrid vehicle must have its brake checked and serviced. Because of regenerative braking, hybrid cars have a longer brake life than their usual counterparts. Many hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking that converts the onward motion of the car while braking or coasting into electricity. This braking helps stop the car and recharge the high-voltage battery.
When braking, the system mechanically allocates some part of the braking pressure to regenerate energy and some to the traditional hydraulic braking system. The blending of regenerative and mechanical braking provides many hybrid cars with an exceptional brake pedal feel. Usually, this means your hybrid car's brake pads wear at a slower pace than its conventional counterpart.
Depending on your hybrid car, you can go over 100,000 miles prior to replacing the brakes, as opposed to the 60,000 miles of a usual car. But, still, it is a wise idea to have them inspected anytime you have your car services, and it is always vital to check the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule. Because of the extended service intervals for brakes, some manufacturers recommend periodically inspecting and lubricating the braking components as part of the proposed maintenance schedule. Book a schedule only with the hybrid auto repair company you trust to ensure your car’s optimal health and performance.
Engine Wear Check
The main advantage of owning a hybrid car is less engine wear. In a usual car model, the engine runs 100% of the time you are driving it, and it doesn't matter if you are driving down the road or stuck in heavy traffic. The engine in a hybrid vehicle only runs when the battery requires charging or additional motive power is needed. The engine will automatically shut down if you are stuck in heavy traffic. In turn, it experiences less overall wear, enabling it to last longer. However, it is still important to get the engine checked for any issues to be sure.
Car Fluids Top-up
Like combustion engines, you must pay attention to your car fluids. A hybrid car still needs proper oil levels and regular oil changes. So, follow the recommended schedule for topping up your vehicle. If you are not sure, have a professional mechanic check it for you.
Cooling System Check
All hybrid vehicles have different cooling units installed. Like a typical car, a radiator system and coolant are in use. In due course, coolant wears down, and deposits stay in the radiator. You can hose down its system and refill it with new fluid if this occurs.
Check the Tires
Like standard cars, hybrid car tires wear out too. So, perform a regular maintenance inspection and check for any signs of wear. Check the tire's pressure and ensure it has a 2/32 tread depth reading. You can try the penny test. If the tire tread doesn't reach Lincoln's head, call the nearest shop for tire replacement.
Here are other services your hybrid car may need:
- Wheel Alignment: If the wheel alignment is slanted, it can cause many tire and car issues. In this case, your vehicle will need alignment services.
- Tire Rotation: Tires will need regular rotations to keep them safe and wearing evenly.
- Tire Patching: Many drivers will inevitably find a pointed object stuck in their tire. Even if the tire condition is good, it is still imperative to bring it to a workshop for a patching service.
- Tire Replacement: Each tire has a limited duration. When the hybrid tires become old or worn, you must replace them immediately.
- Inflation Services: If the pressure of your hybrid tire is low, it can cause extra stress to the engine, battery, and tire.
Oil Changes
Perhaps, you are wondering if a hybrid vehicle needs oil changes. While this type of car takes the benefit of electric power to run under certain driving conditions, it still partly utilizes an internal combustion engine or ICE. So, it means oil changes are still required.
Battery Maintenance
Typically, hybrids depend on a high-voltage battery pack to push the car partway before the engine starts. The battery packs can last a while unless other parts, like the auxiliary or engine fan system, are taken for granted.
If you own a plug-in hybrid, it is vital to keep it changed. Charging the battery regularly helps you use as much power from the high-voltage pack as possible. The best charging techniques differ depending on the model and make. Therefore, you must follow the owner's manual.
Auxiliary Car Battery
Many hybrid cars have two types of battery: the mass storage that powers the electric motor and a standard battery that starts the internal combustion engine. Like on conventional vehicles, the auxiliary battery needs maintenance and requires to be replaced every five years. You can use it if you need a professional hybrid battery replacement service.
Battery Filter Maintenance
Some hybrid automobiles are equipped with an air-cooled battery pack, and some of these packs come with a serviceable filter. Usually, a hybrid battery can generate extreme heat. Thanks to an air-cooled battery, there is a fan pushing cooled air via a filter and over the battery to keep it cool. This battery filter must occasionally be inspected and replaced eventually.
Manufacturer Suggested Maintenance Schedule
Many hybrid car parts don't need regular maintenance as often. However, your car will still have to be checked and serviced routinely. You will want to stay on top of brake fluid checks, tire rotations, air filter replacement, and other services. Make sure to check the owner's manual to know the maintenance schedule.
Conclusion
Having your hybrid car checked often is the right way to keep it in good condition. You can follow the tips mentioned to keep it running smoothly for years.
If you need hybrid auto repair in Palmdale, contact Carlax Quality Automotive. Our qualified and licensed mechanics are always ready to help you out. We offer various services such as hybrid auto repair, air conditioner repair, car air conditioner service, and more.
Book an appointment now!
Hybrid cars have the edge over conventional vehicles, which is why they are costlier than the latter. Unlike traditional cars, hybrid automobiles don't need much maintenance on their parts. But that doesn't mean that a hybrid car doesn't need care. As the components, particularly the batteries, are costly, you need to know how to maintain your hybrid vehicle.
Outline
- Brake Maintenance
- Engine Wear Check
- Car Fluids Top-up
- Manufacturer Suggested Maintenance Schedule
- Check the Tires
- Oil Changes
- Battery Maintenance
- Auxiliary Car Battery
- Battery Filter Maintenance
- Cooling System Check
- Conclusion
Brake Maintenance
Like the usual gas car, your hybrid vehicle must have its brake checked and serviced. Because of regenerative braking, hybrid cars have a longer brake life than their usual counterparts. Many hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking that converts the onward motion of the car while braking or coasting into electricity. This braking helps stop the car and recharge the high-voltage battery.
When braking, the system mechanically allocates some part of the braking pressure to regenerate energy and some to the traditional hydraulic braking system. The blending of regenerative and mechanical braking provides many hybrid cars with an exceptional brake pedal feel. Usually, this means your hybrid car's brake pads wear at a slower pace than its conventional counterpart.
Depending on your hybrid car, you can go over 100,000 miles prior to replacing the brakes, as opposed to the 60,000 miles of a usual car. But, still, it is a wise idea to have them inspected anytime you have your car services, and it is always vital to check the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule. Because of the extended service intervals for brakes, some manufacturers recommend periodically inspecting and lubricating the braking components as part of the proposed maintenance schedule. Book a schedule only with the hybrid auto repair company you trust to ensure your car’s optimal health and performance.
Engine Wear Check
The main advantage of owning a hybrid car is less engine wear. In a usual car model, the engine runs 100% of the time you are driving it, and it doesn't matter if you are driving down the road or stuck in heavy traffic. The engine in a hybrid vehicle only runs when the battery requires charging or additional motive power is needed. The engine will automatically shut down if you are stuck in heavy traffic. In turn, it experiences less overall wear, enabling it to last longer. However, it is still important to get the engine checked for any issues to be sure.
Car Fluids Top-up
Like combustion engines, you must pay attention to your car fluids. A hybrid car still needs proper oil levels and regular oil changes. So, follow the recommended schedule for topping up your vehicle. If you are not sure, have a professional mechanic check it for you.
Cooling System Check
All hybrid vehicles have different cooling units installed. Like a typical car, a radiator system and coolant are in use. In due course, coolant wears down, and deposits stay in the radiator. You can hose down its system and refill it with new fluid if this occurs.
Check the Tires
Like standard cars, hybrid car tires wear out too. So, perform a regular maintenance inspection and check for any signs of wear. Check the tire's pressure and ensure it has a 2/32 tread depth reading. You can try the penny test. If the tire tread doesn't reach Lincoln's head, call the nearest shop for tire replacement.
Here are other services your hybrid car may need:
- Wheel Alignment: If the wheel alignment is slanted, it can cause many tire and car issues. In this case, your vehicle will need alignment services.
- Tire Rotation: Tires will need regular rotations to keep them safe and wearing evenly.
- Tire Patching: Many drivers will inevitably find a pointed object stuck in their tire. Even if the tire condition is good, it is still imperative to bring it to a workshop for a patching service.
- Tire Replacement: Each tire has a limited duration. When the hybrid tires become old or worn, you must replace them immediately.
- Inflation Services: If the pressure of your hybrid tire is low, it can cause extra stress to the engine, battery, and tire.
Oil Changes
Perhaps, you are wondering if a hybrid vehicle needs oil changes. While this type of car takes the benefit of electric power to run under certain driving conditions, it still partly utilizes an internal combustion engine or ICE. So, it means oil changes are still required.
Battery Maintenance
Typically, hybrids depend on a high-voltage battery pack to push the car partway before the engine starts. The battery packs can last a while unless other parts, like the auxiliary or engine fan system, are taken for granted.
If you own a plug-in hybrid, it is vital to keep it changed. Charging the battery regularly helps you use as much power from the high-voltage pack as possible. The best charging techniques differ depending on the model and make. Therefore, you must follow the owner's manual.
Auxiliary Car Battery
Many hybrid cars have two types of battery: the mass storage that powers the electric motor and a standard battery that starts the internal combustion engine. Like on conventional vehicles, the auxiliary battery needs maintenance and requires to be replaced every five years. You can use it if you need a professional hybrid battery replacement service.
Battery Filter Maintenance
Some hybrid automobiles are equipped with an air-cooled battery pack, and some of these packs come with a serviceable filter. Usually, a hybrid battery can generate extreme heat. Thanks to an air-cooled battery, there is a fan pushing cooled air via a filter and over the battery to keep it cool. This battery filter must occasionally be inspected and replaced eventually.
Manufacturer Suggested Maintenance Schedule
Many hybrid car parts don't need regular maintenance as often. However, your car will still have to be checked and serviced routinely. You will want to stay on top of brake fluid checks, tire rotations, air filter replacement, and other services. Make sure to check the owner's manual to know the maintenance schedule.
Conclusion
Having your hybrid car checked often is the right way to keep it in good condition. You can follow the tips mentioned to keep it running smoothly for years.
If you need hybrid auto repair in Palmdale, contact Carlax Quality Automotive. Our qualified and licensed mechanics are always ready to help you out. We offer various services such as hybrid auto repair, air conditioner repair, car air conditioner service, and more.
Book an appointment now!
