Hybrid vehicles are known for their low maintenance needs compared to traditional gas-powered cars. They also offer increased safety and fuel efficiency. However, regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues are crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of your hybrid vehicle. So, we’ve put together seven essential tips to help you take care of your hybrid car.
Don’t Leave Your Battery Plugged when Parked for An Extended Period
One of the most frequent errors made by hybrid vehicle owners is leaving the battery plugged in for prolonged periods. This can lead to permanent damage to the batteries. Keeping the battery pack of your hybrid at 100% charge all the time will lead to overheating and reduce the battery’s lifespan.
Avoid Starting and Stopping Your Hybrid Vehicle Quickly
While driving bumper-to-bumper won’t cause issues for a hybrid vehicle, doing so too frequently can wear out transmission components and the charging system. This decreases fuel efficiency. Additionally, newer hybrid models are equipped with regenerative braking systems that recharge the battery when braking. Unfortunately, frequent stopping and starting could cause these systems to wear out faster.
Wait for Your Car to Reach Optimal Operating Temperatures
It’s essential to wait until the heat gauge warms up before driving away, especially when using a hybrid vehicle parked for an extended period. Starting a hybrid vehicle with a cold engine can cause issues with the engine oil flow and lead to higher fuel usage and lower miles per gallon (MPGs).
Avoid Using the A/c While Sitting Still
Running the air conditioning while the car isn’t in motion puts a lot of pressure on the hybrid battery as it consumes more fuel than when the car is moving. Furthermore, continually using the air conditioning while the car is stationary can decrease fuel efficiency for future trips.
Drive Smart and Accelerate Gently
In a hybrid vehicle, pressing the accelerator too hard can cause the internal combustion engine to use more fuel than is necessary, reducing the vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain is designed to operate most efficiently when driven moderately and consistently. Sudden and hard acceleration can cause the system to work less efficiently, using more fuel and reducing the car’s overall range. This can decrease the benefits of the hybrid powertrain in terms of fuel economy and emission reduction.