Maintaining Your Hybrid Car: 6 Essential Tips

Apr 22, 2024

Knowing how to care for hybrid cars is crucial as they become more popular on the roads. These cars require specific maintenance to operate efficiently and effectively. Here are six tips to help take care of a hybrid car.

1. Drive Your Car

To maintain the performance and extend the lifespan of a hybrid car's battery, it's crucial to drive the vehicle regularly. The hybrid battery is charged through regenerative braking and the use of the internal combustion engine (ICE), and if the car is not driven regularly, the battery may not be charged fully. This can lead to a decrease in overall capacity and lifespan. By driving a hybrid car regularly, the battery is charged and maintained properly, which helps ensure optimal performance over time. As a general rule, we recommend driving a hybrid car at least 625 miles per month, which is the national average of 1,125 miles annually.

2. Don’t Forget About Your “Other” Battery

Hybrid cars rely on two types of batteries to operate effectively - a conventional 12-volt battery for powering electrical components and a high-voltage battery pack that stores energy generated through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine (ICE). Working in harmony, these two batteries enable hybrid cars to maximize their performance and efficiency, resulting in better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. At our onsite service, we offer comprehensive testing and replacement services for both your hybrid and 12-volt batteries.

3. Keep Your Air Filters Clean

A hybrid car is equipped with two essential filters – the engine air filter and the battery air filter. The engine air filter is responsible for filtering out dust, dirt, and other harmful particles from the air that enters your engine, and when it gets clogged, it can result in reduced fuel efficiency and extra strain on the engine. Another important filter is the battery air filter (in some hybrid vehicles), which is situated in the air intake system of the battery pack. Its primary function is to ensure that only clean air is supplied to the battery pack, which helps to prevent contaminants from entering the battery pack's cooling system. Keeping this filter and duct clean is vital for the longevity and performance of the hybrid battery. Our onsite service can replace both filters promptly, ensuring that your hybrid car remains efficient and reliable.

4. Check Your Fluid Levels

Hybrid cars rely on specialized fluids to keep their intricate systems running smoothly, including inverter coolant and brake fluid. These fluids play a critical role in ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Specifically, the inverter is a key component that converts high-voltage DC power from the battery pack into AC power to drive the electric motor and manage energy flow during regenerative braking. To ensure that the inverter stays at a safe operating temperature and continues to function efficiently, it requires coolant fluid. Additionally, the brake actuator is a crucial component of the regenerative braking system, which also requires specific brake fluid to operate effectively. Regularly checking and replacing these fluids is essential to maintaining your hybrid car's reliability and safety. Our onsite service can provide the necessary inspection and replacement of these fluids to keep your hybrid running at its best.

5. Keep Your Car Clean

Dirt, sand, pet hair, and water can wreak havoc on a hybrid car's battery and other vital components. In most hybrid vehicles, the battery is located at the rear, beneath the cargo area or back seat. A buildup of dirt and debris can infiltrate the battery's cooling system, clogging it and causing it to overheat, resulting in battery damage. Water can corrode the cooling system and other electrical components, causing shorts that may lead to costly repairs or even a fire hazard. Moreover, a dirty car can attract rodents that gnaw on wires with soy-based insulation, which may cause electrical problems, engine failure, and fire hazards. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent these problems and ensure the longevity and safety of your hybrid car.

6. Find a Trusted Hybrid Repair Shop

When it comes to repairs and maintenance for your hybrid car, it's crucial to find a reputable and experienced repair shop that specializes in hybrid cars and uses high-quality parts. At Hybrid Battery 911, we understand the unique needs of hybrid vehicles, and that's why we offer onsite mobile technicians that can come to your home, work, or school to diagnose and repair issues with your hybrid battery. We also provide a complimentary 22-point inspection with any battery installation, ensuring that your vehicle is in top shape. Our team of experts is committed to keeping your hybrid car running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.