Hybrid Service FAQ: Top-4 Most Common Questions From Kitchener Drivers
Although the first hybrid car was built by Ferdinand Porsche back in 1899, many drivers still aren’t familiar with this automotive technology, and hybrid service questions abound.
Don’t worry—Automotive Edge is here to help.
To help you shop smart, optimize upkeep and control service costs, today’s post answers the 4 most common hybrid service questions posed by drivers in Kitchener, ON, according to Google’s People Also Ask tool.
Read on for a quick hybrid service FAQ, or call (519) 578-8543 to speak directly with a hybrid service specialist.
Hybrid Service FAQ: Top-4 Questions From Drivers In Kitchener
1. Do Hybrid Vehicles Require Oil Changes?
That depends on what you drive!
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are powered by a combination of traditional gasoline/internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery, whereas all-electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity alone.
While PHEVs and HEVs don’t use as much fuel as standard vehicles, they still use a combustion engine to generate power, so oil changes are still necessary. That said, you can go a lot longer between oil changes than you would driving a standard vehicle. Most hybrid manufacturers recommend booking an oil change after about 8,000km of driving, or 16,000km for vehicles that use synthetic oil.
EVs do not use oil, so oil changes aren’t required.
2. Can Hybrid Car Services Improve My Gas Mileage?
In a word, yes!
One of the major selling points for hybrid vehicles is their enhanced fuel efficiency, but you can make it even better by staying on top of the following hybrid services:
- Regular tire pressure checks and fill-ups—According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), maintaining proper tire pressure can improve gas mileage by 3%!
- Regular wheel alignments—Misalignments lead to tire drag, which can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%.
- Regular air filter changes—” Regularly changing your filter will make sure your engine is getting clean oxygen for the process that converts fuel into power, improving your fuel efficiency in the process,” states TRAC’s Get Fuel Fit
3. Are Hybrid Car Services Cheaper Than Standard Vehicle Upkeep?
While the service fees do not change, the frequency and scope of hybrid services is very different.
As discussed above, oil changes will be needed less frequently, and the same is true of brake services, thanks to their regenerative braking mechanism, which converts the kinetic energy from braking into electrical power for the battery and reduces wear on pads and rotors in the process.
Because you’ll be booking these hybrid services less often, you’ll save hundreds of dollars over the life of your vehicle. And our exclusive shop promotions can save you even more.
4. How Often Do Hybrid Batteries Need To Be Replaced?
Hybrid batteries are designed to last for the life of the vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer, your warranty should cover your battery for 8 to 10 years, but proper maintenance is still required.
Book A Free Hybrid Car Service Consultation
Since 2004, our hybrid service specialists have been helping Kitchener drivers keep their rides in shape, and we can do the same for you.
To schedule a free consultation and get a free quote on any hybrid service, you can call (519) 578-8543 or book online with a few quick keystrokes!