A hybrid car will have a gas engine and an electric motor. Many people know this. Some people think for both electric motor and gas engine separate maintenance is required. In reality, most hybrid cars do not need any of such twice maintenance.
- Brakes: The braking system in the hybrid cars are unique from the standard gasoline cars. The regenerative braking system in the hybrid cars collects the energy while braking and convert it into electricity. The battery can charge and recycle by coasting to a stop as coasting can generate an excess amount of kinetic energy. This system reduces the friction and heat. Consequently, it will have excessive wear and tear on the car’s brake pads and rotors.
- Battery: The hybrid car’s main battery is expensive and is large in size. The cost of the paper will be around a few thousand dollars. These batteries’ design is different from the standard car batteries. Hybrid batteries are designed to last as long as the car works. The warranties are even longer periods when compared to other car batteries. In cold weather, allow your car and the battery to warm up properly. Hybrid cars can operate better when the weather is warm. Allowing some time to warm up will help you lower wear from the cold.
- Drive train: The transmission, the electric drive motor and the internal combustion engine are connected mechanically together. The drive train in the hybrid cars is much different. A malfunction in any one of the components will affect the other components functions. You can change the air filters and spark plugs, and you can check the transmission fluid. However, if there is any serious problem, consult the professionals.
- Electronics: The electronic modules in the hybrid cars are complex. They control the electric drive motor for regenerative braking and propulsion. Both these systems generate enormous heat. To control the heat, they have their own cooling systems. Charge and discharge rates are regulated by the battery control modules. These systems employ both cooling and heating systems to make sure that the system operates in all conditions consistently. You can do some simple maintenance for them. When you are taking care of engine cooling system’s regular maintenance, check the clamps, pipes, and individual hoses. In addition, check any additional filters that are using on the battery and the motor heating or cooling system.
- Try to reduce the carrying of heavy weights on your hybrid car. Weight is one of the factors that decrease the mileage of the car. It also causes more stress on your car’s engine.
Routine maintenance like tire rotations, oil changes, tune-ups, etc. will not differ in the hybrids from those gasoline-run cars. Stick to your scheduled maintenance plan that recommended by your car manufacturer. Your driving habits also impact on the maintenance schedule.