As hybrid cars become more popular and common on the roads, knowing how to care for them properly is essential. Hybrid cars require specific maintenance to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Here are six tips to help you take care of your hybrid car.
- Drive Your Car
It is important to drive a hybrid car regularly to maintain the hybrid battery because the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the use of the internal combustion engine (ICE). If the vehicle is not driven regularly, the battery may not be charged fully, which can decrease its overall capacity and lifespan. Regularly driving a hybrid car helps to ensure that the battery is charged and maintained properly to help extend its lifespan and maintain its performance over time. We recommend that a hybrid be driven at least 625 miles monthly (the national average is 1,125 annually).
- Don’t Forget About Your “Other” Battery
Hybrid cars have two batteries - a conventional 12-volt battery for powering electrical components and a high-voltage battery pack for storing energy generated by regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine (ICE). The two batteries work together to optimize performance and efficiency, allowing hybrid cars to achieve better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than traditional gasoline-powered cars. Our onsite service can test and replace not only your hybrid battery but your 12-volt battery as well.
- Keep Your Air Filters Clean
A hybrid car can have two filters – an engine filter and a battery filter. The engine air filter in your hybrid car filters dust, dirt, and other particles from the air that enters your engine. A dirty air filter can decrease fuel efficiency and cause your engine to work harder than necessary. The second air filter (in some vehicles) and duct is located in the air intake system for the hybrid battery pack. This air filter ensures clean air is supplied to the hybrid battery pack, which helps ensure that the air used to cool the battery pack is free of contaminants. Keeping this filter and duct clean can help extend the battery’s lifespan and maintain its performance over time. Our onsite service can replace both filters.
- Check Your Fluid Levels
Hybrid cars require specific fluids, including inverter coolant and brake fluid, which need to be regularly checked and replaced. The inverter is a critical component of the hybrid system, converting the high-voltage DC power from the battery pack into the AC power needed to drive the electric motor and manage energy flow during regenerative braking. A hybrid’s inverter requires coolant fluid to help dissipate the heat generated by the inverter and keep it at a safe operating temperature. Likewise, a hybrid vehicle has a brake actuator, which is a crucial component of the regenerative braking system. Both fluids should be checked regularly and replaced as recommended to maintain the vehicle’s safety and reliability. Our onsite service can inspect and replace these fluids.
- Keep Your Car Clean
Dirt, sand, pet hair, and water can negatively affect the battery and other crucial parts of the hybrid system. Hybrid vehicle batteries are typically located in the rear of the car, underneath the rear seat or cargo area. If left unchecked, a buildup of dirt, hair and other debris can seep into the battery’s cooling system, clog it, and cause overheating, damaging the battery. Water entering the battery’s cooling system or other components can cause corrosion and lead to electrical shorts, damaging the battery or even causing a fire. Water can also damage electrical components and connectors throughout the car’s system, leading to costly repairs. A dirty vehicle may also attract rodents that can chew the wires made of soy-based insulation, which provides a tasty treat but will lead to electrical problems, engine failure, and fire hazards.
- Find a Trusted Hybrid Repair Shop
If you need repairs or maintenance for your hybrid car, finding a trusted repair shop specializing in hybrid cars is important. Look for a shop that has experience working on hybrid cars and uses high-quality parts. A trusted repair shop can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. A3 Global offers onsite mobile technicians through its Hybrid Battery 911 service that will come directly to your home, work, or school to diagnose and repair issues with your hybrid battery and perform a free 22-point inspection with any battery install. With proper care and maintenance, your hybrid car can provide reliable and efficient transportation for years to come.
