What You Need To Know About Hybrid Car Maintenance
If you own a hybrid vehicle, or if you are thinking of purchasing a hybrid vehicle, here is what you should know about hybrid car maintenance.
Hybrid Car Maintenance Differs Slightly From Both Gas-Powered Car Maintenance And Electric Vehicle Maintenance.
Hybrid car maintenance is unique because of the unique way that hybrid automobiles operate. A hybrid car usually works by utilizing its electric battery power until the battery has no more power or until you drive above a certain speed. At that point, the hybrid car switches to the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. A hybrid’s internal combustion engine requires all the same service that any other gas-powered car needs.
Different engine models are all different from one another to some degree. Knowing how to repair and service a hybrid engine, however, can be difficult. Mechanics require specialized knowledge and equipment to perform hybrid car maintenance for this reason.
Hybrid Car Batteries
The electric motor within a hybrid car doesn’t normally require a lot of attention. The battery pack, however, often does. Battery replacement is often required in hybrid cars about every 160,000 kilometres.
Hybrid batteries have complex wiring systems, so drivers may not be able to install these batteries themselves. The technicians at R&S Auto can install a new hybrid car battery for you quickly and properly. Some hybrid batteries also have an air filter that requires occasional replacement.
Hybrid Car Oil Changes
Because a hybrid car essentially has two motors, the gas engine doesn’t have to work as hard as it does in vehicles that are entirely reliant on gasoline or diesel. This means that a hybrid car’s engine oil usually doesn’t need to be changed as often. Oil changes are still necessary, but the interval is usually much longer than for fully gas-powered cars.
Hybrid cars can often go 16,000 kilometres between oil changes. Most hybrids have a light on the dashboard which shows the vehicle’s oil life. This lights up when you need an oil change, similar to how the check engine light operates.
Hybrid Car Brake Pads
Most hybrid models utilize regenerative braking technology. This means that when you press on the brake pedal, the electric motor engages in reverse mode. This uses the kinetic energy of the braking system to recharge the car’s battery. As a result, the brake pads experience significantly less wear.
Another benefit is that this system provides an additional source of electricity to charge the battery. This is why hybrid car drivers rarely need to replace their brake pads as frequently as owners of traditional vehicles. However, it is still good practice to have a skilled technician inspect your braking system at least twice a year.
Come To R&S Auto For Hybrid Car Maintenance In North York
There is no need to keep searching for hybrid car maintenance near you in North York, Ontario. Just come to R&S Auto. We offer a wide array of hybrid car maintenance services. You can rely on us to take care of your vehicle.
To book an appointment for a hybrid car repair or maintenance, please click here. To learn more about hybrid car service, or about our other services and products, please contact us via our website or call 416-748-9300.