Where to service hybrid cars?

For several years now, new models of hybrid cars have been appearing on the automotive market, and workshops capable of repairing them are still on the market like medicine. How are the drivers of the first hybrids in Poland, the warranty period of which has already expired?

Cars with an electric motor are still rare on Polish roads. although it would seem that this is an ideal solution with ever-increasing fuel prices. Manufacturers such as Toyota Prius, Honda Insight or Lexus CT 200h still believe that hybrid drive is the future of the automotive industry, and its popularization is only a matter of time. Despite the growing availability of this type of vehicle, they still occupy a niche market. This state of affairs defines a completely prosaic problem for those who, however, choose an environmentally friendly car. This is service.

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Most drivers are simply afraid to invest in a car for which they may not find a mechanic later than an authorized service station. Manufacturers do not give exceptionally long factory warranties for cars of this type. For example, the warranty period for IMA hybrid drive components in the Honda Insight is 5 years or 100 years. km, whichever comes first. In the case of the Toyota Prius or Lexus CT 200h, even less is 3 years or 100 thousand. km.

– After the warranty period expires, hybrid owners are practically doomed to use expensive ASO services. In most cases, manufacturers do not say anywhere who is the manufacturer of the components used, which are produced for specific models in very small batches, for example, 100 XNUMX pieces. And in hybrids, little is repaired, most often the malfunction is eliminated by simply replacing parts, says Marek Bela, founder of the website Autosluga.pl.

Bosch is a major manufacturer of components and diagnostic devices for hybrid vehicles. The German company also offers special training and software, as well as up-to-date data on vehicles built using this technology. Every dealer and workshop has the opportunity to participate in Bosch courses. Unfortunately, the cost of such training is very high, so few people choose this form of training. An additional complication is the fact that the courses are held only in Warsaw and, in the case of some car models, only in Germany or Austria. The purchase of a diagnostic tool with the most basic software costs at least PLN 20. As a consequence, cost and language barriers mean that hardly any mechanic can afford such a rarity.

— The hybrid car repair market is an untapped niche, but there is something to fight for. It would seem prosaic, changing the oil or brake pads in hybrids is a task that is often beyond the power of the driver. More and more of them are out of warranty or running out of warranty, and few people are willing to spend a fortune on basic checks or repairs at authorized services or workshops. This is an opportunity for many mechanics who want to invest in their new technology competencies,” adds Marek Bijela.

Experts predict that the situation may change in 2-3 years, as more and more manufacturers enter the electric vehicle market with their models. One thing is for sure - if the hybrid boom really comes, drivers will, as always, prefer to have their cars serviced in independent workshops, rather than in expensive ASOs. Those who first have the necessary competencies will prevail.