In 2007, hybrid vehicle sales had reached an all-time record of 352,184 for the United States. With such a surge of new hybrid offerings proposed from every major auto company, consumers are slowly becoming acquainted with this new propulsion technology. Motorists with these advanced vehicles will adapt to living with a hybrid unique quirks, including maintenance.
Reliability of Hybrid Vehicles
Unlike many first time innovations, gas-electric hybrid powerplants have so far demonstrated competent durability. Since introduction in 2001, Toyota Prius owners in North America have yet to issue any reported failures of the nickel-metal hydride battery. Honda and Ford have been equally as fortunate with their first-generation production of gas-electric hybrids. The only exception is a recent General Motors recall for leaky battery packs in some of their hybrids including the Saturn Vue Green Line. A black eye to GM, the battery problem was linked to a part manufacturer defect rather than a hybrid system issue. Overall, it is estimated that a nickel-metal hydride battery pack will last beyond 10 years and up to 200,000 miles.
By design, electric motors function maintenance-free in hybrids and therefore rarely ever become an issue at servicing.
Regular Maintenance of the Hybrid System
Based on current hybrids running largely on their gasoline engines, a hybrid vehicle owner will have to abide to a similar maintenance schedule to fully gasoline-powered vehicles. Oil/filter changes and other routine checks remain important but may be undertaken at longer intervals since the gas engine is relieved by the electric powerplant.
While the maintenance of a standard propulsion vehicle is typically measured with in months, the attention to the electric portion of a hybrid vehicle could be discussed in years. Noting that much of the electrical components related to hybrid drive needs no servicing, there are some issues deserving precautionary care. Have a mechanic check power cords and connections during every engine tune-up. On models of the Honda Insight, a ground connection has been indicated as corroding.
Where to Take a Hybrid Vehicle for Servicing
With the emergence of hybrid technology, many vehicles are still protected under warranty with a long period devoted to the hybrid systems themselves. For this reason, owners opt to have their cars full-serviced by dealership mechanics. However, as warranty terms come to an end, there may be some minor confusion for who can service a hybrid. As many continue their relationships with dealership mechanics specializing with your vehicle's brand, it is largely acceptable to take a hybrid to the wide range of independent and franchise shops for oil changes and other basic maintenance. An exception applies servicing a Ford Escape hybrid which requires a special oil filter during every 5,000 mile oil change. For vehicle tune ups, it is recommended to have a dealership mechanic perform the service and check up of hybrid systems. Falling every 2 years or 30,000 miles, a vehicle owner's manual will show that a hybrid tune up differs slightly with special emphasis should be placed on measuring coolant and transmission fluid levels.
Dealer mechanics are best equipped for servicing and correcting any problems within the hybrid powertrain. Along with being well-versed in servicing hybrid cars, they also have the capability to address technical service bulletins outstanding. Independent and franchise mechanics have also yet to familiar themselves with repairing hybrids choosing to turn away the vehicles. Manufacturers have been offering classes to qualified auto service personnel working with hybrid technology safely and effectively. If looking for a mechanic or a collision specialist, inquire to whether they are trained to work on hybrids.
Future of Hybrid Car Maintenance
Consisting still of uncertainties for maintaining hybrid vehicles for the long-term, it appears obvious that the do-it yourself mechanic might have to surrender to as much as 500 volts of power output flowing through a hybrid powerplant. Fortunately though, owners will realize the simplicity and thrift in maintaining hybrid cars
Hybrid Car Factory Manuals
If you are handy with tools and perform your maintenance repair on your vehicles, we recommend obtaining a service manual for our Hybrid Car. Check here for your vehicles service manual.
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