Although it’s true that a hybrid may not need certain maintenance as frequently, it still needs regular automotive maintenance. They are cars after all. If you’re not treating your hybrid to the same maintenance you treated your previous cars with, it’s going to have issues. Here are some of the most common mistakes hybrid owners make when it comes to automotive maintenance.
Neglecting Tire Rotation
Because some hybrid vehicles only require an oil change about every 10,000 miles, people forget to rotate their tires. No matter what type of engine your car has, you still should rotate your tires about every 7,000 miles. Not doing so will result in irregular wear on your tires.
Treating Their Brake Pads and Rotors/Drums the Same
Although vehicle braking systems have similar parts, hybrids have a separate braking system to recharge the battery. Because that’s the primary braking system you use, your rotors and drums may suffer from corrosion more quickly due to lack of cleaning which happens in a gas-powered vehicle when you apply the brakes. On the other hand, your brake pads may last longer requiring less frequent replacing.
Ignoring the Transmission Fluid
The transmission of a hybrid vehicle does more than what it does in a conventional vehicle. As a result, automotive maintenance to your hybrid’s transmission shouldn’t be neglected. You and your mechanic should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and keep it serviced about ever 50,000 miles. Neglecting this key maintenance element could result in more than $10,000 of damage!
What About the Battery
A hybrid vehicle’s battery isn’t something you can just walk into an automotive parts store and buy. You’ll need a technician trained on the high voltage battery and one who can order it. If you’re having issues with your hybrid’s battery, check the warranty. Most have longer warranties than other parts of the vehicle.
Can You Perform the Work Yourself?
Although you can perform some things yourself, like an oil change, when it comes to working on any of the system that involves the battery, it’s best to leave it to an automotive maintenance professional. The batteries and the components related to the hybrid system have a much higher voltage than a traditional car battery. It’s best to leave the system diagnosis and repair to professionals like those at Oldsmar Automotive. Stop by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment.
Leave a Reply