When you move to a hybrid vehicle, you might feel as if everything you previously understood about vehicle maintenance has changed. When it comes to hybrid maintenance, there are some similarities and variances.
These days, more and more automakers are introducing their individual hybrid options to the market as hybrid vehicles gain popularity. These vehicles are still quite new on the market, so maintenance and servicing are still a little unknown.
Compared to ordinary automobile batteries, hybrid car batteries are significantly bigger and more complicated. It is crucial that you provide it with the care it needs as a result.
Here are some pointers for keeping hybrid batteries in good condition:
A PHEV (plug-in hybrid) combines the benefits of both an electric vehicle and a car with a combustion engine. PHEV don’t have range issues like fully electric cars do since the internal combustion engine takes over once the battery is fully charged.
PHEV’s are now most commonly used in delivery vans since they can recharge frequently while traveling their daily routes. Private hybrid vehicles are also widely available, particularly those used for daily commuting. A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that, like a pure electric vehicle (EV), can also draw power from the grid.
Other electric vehicle types, such as BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) and HEV’s (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are worth mentioning as PHEV’s have been covered. All-electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no fuel or diesel engines are called as “EVs,” or “Battery Electric Vehicles.”
The vehicle’s battery pack, which is recharged by the grid, provides all of the energy needed to operate it. Due to the fact that they produce none of the harmful pollutants that conventional vehicles do, these are considered zero-emission vehicles.
Hybrid electric vehicles have an electric motor in addition to a gas engine. The distinction is that in this case, regenerative braking is used to generate all of the battery’s energy. This braking energy typically escapes from an internal combustion engine vehicle as heat in the brake pads and rotors. Regular hybrid vehicles cannot recharge by plugging into the grid.
You must first grasp what a hybrid automobile is in order to comprehend the distinction between repairing an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and servicing a hybrid vehicle. PHEV’s, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, have a number of parts that are not found in regular vehicles. A sizable traction battery, an electric motor, and a motor controller are included.
The climate control in some PHEVs isn’t the same, and the drivetrain, transmission, emission control, and exhaust systems are also different. This means that the majority of maintenance procedures used for regular gas-powered automobiles do not apply to hybrid automobiles.
Here are a few things you need to know before opting for hybrid servicing. Although there are a few extra factors to take into account, hybrid auto servicing is generally comparable to regular auto servicing.
When it comes to hybrid inspections, there are a number of additional crucial checks that must be taken into account. These inspections must be taken into account in addition to routine vehicle inspections.
Hybrid vehicle components demand the same level of care as regular mechanical parts do.
The servicing of hybrid vehicles needs to pass the following inspections:
The best way to maintain the battery health of your hybrid vehicle is to prevent excessive battery drainage. You need to charge your vehicle at least once every two weeks.
Make sure to run the hybrid system for a certain required time without using any electrical accessories that aren’t absolutely necessary, including the air conditioner and sound systems.
The hybrid system should be started in a ventilated area even if you aren’t driving the car to prevent the build-up of hazardous fumes. Connect the output to an emission pipe if it is in a closed space. Alternatively, you could unplug the auxiliary battery’s negative connector.
Hybrid vehicle repair intervals are usually the same as those for regular gasoline or diesel engines. Broadly speaking, you must service your hybrid car every year or 10,000–12,000 kms, whichever comes first.
No matter what type of automobile you drive, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. The cost of maintaining a hybrid car is often higher than that of a fully electric vehicle due to the additional diagnostics required and the additional parts to maintain.
Hybrid cars frequently receive a negative reputation because of their potential for high maintenance and repair costs. However, these services are simple and fairly priced if you have the right experts on your side. Hybrid vehicles also require less care than regular cars in a number of areas, including:
1. Battery replacement:
A new battery is usually required in most vehicles every three years. Much bigger and more ecologically friendly are hybrid batteries. Consequently, they only occasionally need to be repaired.
2. Regular brake system upkeep:
A normal vehicle’s braking system dissipates the power and friction when you slow down or stop it. Therefore, routine brake fluid flushes, wheel resurfacing or replacement, and other services are needed for regular vehicles.
Regenerative braking, on the other hand, utilizes this energy to drive the vehicle’s actions. They don’t require regular brake pad replacements as often as a result.
3. Oil change routine variations:Â
Oil changes are still necessary for hybrid automobiles. The hybrid’s battery, however, will start up and shut down your engine when you are moving at a slow speed. Thus, the engine won’t need an oil change as frequently.
Hybrid vehicles, like any other type of vehicle, require servicing and maintenance. Consult an all-in-one auto repair facility to fix your hybrid vehicle.
The Auto Station provides high-quality hybrid vehicle services and maintenance at affordable costs in Burlington.