Important Guidelines on Maintaining Your Hybrid Car
Hybrid Cars have gained a lot of popularity in a very short period of time because of the many advantages that they have over conventional cars. Hybrid Cars, as the name suggests, functions on a unique combination of a gas-powered internal combustion engine and the clean energy of an electric motor. While most hybrid cars make use of petrol, there are some hybrid car models that use alternative fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol alcohol, and plant fuel.
Hybrid Cars have an edge over conventional cars and are therefore more expensive than the latter. Also, unlike normal cars, hybrid cars do not need much maintenance on their components. However, that does not mean that a hybrid car does not need any maintenance at all. As the components, especially the batteries, are very costly, it is necessary for you to know the ways of maintaining your hybrid car.
Following guidelines will help you take care of your car properly:
1) In most hybrid cars, the air filter on the battery system should be replaced after every 40,000 miles.
2) The fuel engine of a hybrid car requires similar maintenance as required by the engine of a normal car. Depending on the type of hybrid you have, oil changes should be made every 5,000-10,000 miles.
3) Owing to the regenerative brake system in a hybrid car, the brake pads in hybrids last longer than those of an ordinary car. As they do not wear out easily, you need not change them periodically.
4) Batteries are the most important and also the costliest component of a hybrid. Therefore, make sure you take special care of them. However, unlike other electric cars, you need not plug in your car to recharge the batteries. This is because the electric motor of the hybrid acts as a generator when the car is cruising or when brakes are applied. The energy thus generated is then used automatically to recharge the batteries.
5) If the charge of the batteries is no longer maintained between 40% and 60% of its charge, it is better to get the batteries replaced. Also bear in mind that the longevity of a battery extends considerably if the battery is never fully charged or completely drained.
Thus, contrary to the common belief, hybrid cars need very less maintenance owing to decreased wear and tear on its engine and braking system. However, if at all you need to do a maintenance check up for your hybrid, it is advisable to get in touch with your car dealer. Suitable warranties are offered on battery packs and emission parts of a hybrid car by most car dealers, owing to which you can get the servicing done by professional mechanics at a low cost.