There are several benefits of hybrid cars. They are environmentally friendly and can help reduce dependency on fossil fuels. A hybrid car can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on fuel costs over the years. As a hybrid car repair shop in Sonoma County, our pros at GreenTech Automotive are often asked if there are additional maintenance costs when opting for a hybrid vehicle. In short, the answer is no - if, just like any other traditional vehicle, you perform regular maintenance.
Maintenance Costs Are Lower
Many people wonder if it costs more to maintain hybrid cars than conventional gasoline and diesel cars. The answer is a definite no, unless something goes wrong with their hybrid system. Usually, hybrid car maintenance costs are no higher than conventional car maintenance costs. In fact, it may cost less to maintain a hybrid one than a traditional vehicle. In a hybrid vehicle, the gas engine of the car shuts down when the car is idling and when driving at low speeds. This reduces the wear and tear on the engine. Less wear and tear are equal to improved performance, fewer problems, and fewer trips to the mechanic. Smaller hybrids need less frequent oil changes than similar cars that use diesel or gasoline. They can go up to 5,000 miles before needing an oil change. In comparison many similar diesel or gasoline cars need oil changes every 3,000 miles. The regenerative braking system of hybrid cars puts less stress on brake pads than traditional braking systems. As a result, brake system components last longer.
Hybrid Cars Have Additional Parts
Because hybrid vehicles operate by using different components than a traditional vehicle, there are a few additional parts that will need maintenance and repair. There is a possibility that some part of the hybrid system, usually the battery pack will fail. Battery pack replacement costs have come down over the years, but are still significant. A replacement battery pack can cost just over $2,000. The good news is that many hybrid car manufacturers offer a warranty of eight years/10,000 miles or ten years/15,000 miles on hybrid systems. If your car’s hybrid system fails within the warranty period, you can have it repaired at a hybrid car repair shop in Sonoma County without spending a dime.
Hybrid Car Maintenance Tips
Regularly check car fluids and top off if required
Periodically drain your car’s battery and then recharge it to its full capacity. If you do not drive your car regularly, store it in a garage. In winter, use a heater to maintain the temperature of the room in which the car is stored
Periodically inspect the cooling system. If the coolant breaks down or deposits and sludge are contaminating it, flush out the system and refill it with clean oil
Regularly inspect tires. Check if they’re wearing out prematurely or if one or more tires are wearing out faster than the others
Car problems giving you sleepless nights? Let GreenTech Automotive help. Our technicians have years of experience repairing and servicing different types of cars. To schedule an appointment call (707)545-7076.