Hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity due to how they blend gas and electric features. They offer better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a smoother ride. However, hybrid engine maintenance is different from gasoline powered cars.
How Do Hybrid Engines Differ From Gasoline Engines?
The main difference between hybrids and gasoline cars is that hybrids combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor. Gasoline cars rely solely on the ICE, which needs to be larger and more robust to handle all the work. Hybrids pair the engine with an electric motor powered by a battery, reducing strain on the engine.
Hybrids can switch between electric and gasoline power or use both. For fuel efficiency, they often rely on electric power for low speeds and short distances, while the gasoline engine steps in at higher speeds or during acceleration.
Maintenance Requirements for Hybrid Engines
Maintaining a hybrid vehicle involves many of the same processes as conventional gasoline powered cars—but with added considerations for the electric system. Let’s look over the primary distinctions.
Monitoring Your Battery’s Health
The battery in a hybrid vehicle typically lasts 8 to 10 years. Dealers may offer a warranty, but owners should watch for signs of reduced efficiency and consult certified technicians for replacement if needed. Their batteries are more expensive than traditional 12-volt car batteries, but proper maintenance can help put that replacement off for longer.
Engine Oil Changes
While hybrid engines do require oil changes, you typically do so less often compared to gasoline engines. Since hybrids don’t rely as heavily on their gasoline engine, they experience minimal mechanical stress.
Regenerative Braking System
The regenerative braking system in hybrids puts less wear on brake components compared to traditional gasoline powered vehicles. As a result, brake pads often have a longer lifespan, though regular inspections and maintenance are still important for optimal performance.
Spark Plugs and Cold Starts
Hybrids, like gasoline vehicles, use spark plugs in their internal combustion engines. Since hybrids switch between electric and gasoline power, spark plugs retain a crucial role in cold weather engine starts. The gasoline engine may idle longer before starting, so a reliable ignition system is essential, especially in colder climates.
Is Hybrid Maintenance More Complex?
While hybrids need less maintenance, their electric components, such as the high-voltage battery, require specialized expertise. Becoming familiar with hybrid engine maintenance and differences from gasoline power ensures your vehicle continues to operate efficiently throughout its lifetime.
The Best of Both Worlds
While hybrids require different care than gasoline cars, they aren’t overly complex. Knowing how gasoline and electric power affect their mechanics lets you make confident maintenance decisions. From choosing the right oil change interval to checking spark plugs and monitoring the battery, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your investment.
Recommended: Hybrids vs EVs: Which is the Better Choice?
