What services do hybrid cars need?

When you switch to a hybrid car, you may feel like everything you knew about car care has changed. There are some similarities and differences when it comes to maintaining hybrids. Chapel Hill Tire mechanics are on hand to help you maintain your hybrid vehicle.

Hybrid battery maintenance and services

Hybrid vehicle batteries are much larger and more complex than standard car batteries. Therefore, it is especially important that you provide him with the necessary care. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for hybrid batteries:

• Keep the hybrid in the garage to protect the battery from the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
• Professional cleaning of the battery from debris and traces of corrosion.
• Hybrid batteries last much longer than standard car batteries. The warranty on them usually ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. However, when your battery starts to fail, you will need to have your hybrid battery repaired or replaced by an experienced hybrid technician.

Inverter setting for hybrids

The inverter is the "brain" of your hybrid vehicle. Hybrids store the energy generated by your braking system in a DC battery. Your inverter converts it to AC power to power your vehicle. During this process, a lot of heat is generated, which the inverter cooling system neutralizes. Thus, the inverter system may require regular coolant flushing, in addition to other repair or replacement services.

Transmission Fluid Service and Transmission Repair

Transmissions are responsible for transferring power from your hybrid's engine to the wheels. Different brands of hybrid vehicles harvest and distribute power differently, meaning there are several different powertrains on the market. Depending on your transmission type and manufacturer's recommendations, you may need to flush your transmission fluid on a regular basis. Be sure to visit a mechanic experienced with hybrid vehicles for transmission checks, service and repairs. 

Hybrid Tire Services

Tire requirements are standard across hybrid, electric and standard vehicles. Here are some services your hybrid may need:

• Tire rotation: To keep your tires protected and wear evenly, your hybrid tires require regular rotation.
• Wheel alignment: Alignment problems can lead to a range of tire and vehicle problems. Your hybrid will require leveling services as needed. 
• Tire change: Every tire has a limited lifespan. When your hybrid vehicle's tires wear out or age, they need to be replaced. 
• Tire repair: Most drivers inevitably find a nail in their tire at some point. Assuming the tie is in overall good condition, repairs will be required. 
• Inflation services: Low tire pressure can put additional strain on the hybrid engine, tires, and battery. 

Benefits of servicing and maintaining hybrid vehicles

Too often, hybrid vehicles get a bad rap due to their maintenance and repair requirements. However, with the right professionals at your side, these services are easy and affordable. In addition, there are several service areas where hybrid vehicles require less maintenance than standard vehicles:

• Frequent battery replacement: Most vehicles require a new battery approximately every three years. Hybrid batteries are much larger and more durable. Thus, they require very few replacements.
• Frequent maintenance of the brake system: When you slow down or stop a standard car, friction and power are absorbed by the braking system. Thus, standard vehicles require frequent brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake fluid flushing, and other services. However, regenerative braking absorbs this power and uses it to propel the car. Thus, they do not require frequent replacement of the brake pads.
• Oil change differences: Hybrid vehicles still require oil changes. However, when you drive at low speed, the hybrid's battery kicks in and gives your engine a break. Thus, the engine will not require such frequent oil changes. 

Service needs, recommendations and procedures will vary by vehicle and manufacturer. Driving mode and road conditions can also affect your ideal maintenance requirements. You can find the exact service schedule for your vehicle in your owner's manual. A professional mechanic can also look under the hood to tell you what hybrid services you might need.

Chapel Hill Tyre Hybrid Services

If you need hybrid service in the Great Triangle, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help. We have nine offices in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill and Carrborough. Our mechanics will also come to you! We also serve drivers in nearby cities as well as service areas extending to Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville and more! We invite you to make an appointment to get started today!

Back to resources