Hybrid vehicles are advanced automobiles that run on multiple fuels, including diesel, electricity, petrol or CNG. This feature makes these vehicles fuel-efficient, leaving less carbon footprint and offering impressive mileage.
However, without proper maintenance, no vehicle can reach its optimal performance level. The following hybrid car maintenance tips can help you save money, while ensuring that your car lasts for a long time without compromising on performance.
Hybrid Car Tips for Maintenance - Checklist
Brake Maintenance Check
Hybrid cars feature regenerative braking systems for recharging their batteries. Make sure that the condition of your brakes is up to the mark so that the wear on the vehicle’s brake pads is minimised while energy recovery is maximised.
Oil Change is Important
Although hybrid vehicles incorporate internal combustion engines, changing oil is crucial to maintain its engine’s health.
Regular Tyre Pressure Checks
Properly inflated tires enhance handling and fuel efficiency. Monthly tyre pressure monitoring followed by proper adjustments can help enhance your hybrid vehicle's overall performance.
Periodic Inspections
Having your hybrid vehicle inspected regularly by certified technicians can help detect potential problems in the early stages and prevent breakdowns.
Regular Battery Monitoring
The battery is a hybrid vehicle’s lifeline, and for proper monitoring you have to run diagnostic tests and monitor its charge level as per the directions of the manufacturer.
Hybrid Vehicle - Maintenance Schedule
With the help of a maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your hybrid vehicle performs well, is safe to use and lasts for a long time. Here is how you can schedule maintenance for your hybrid vehicle:
For every 5000 kilometres
You can monitor the oil levels, especially the engine oil. also , inspect cooling systems, electric motors and battery connections.
For every 10, 000 kilometres
You can inspect the brake pads, suspension system, brake fluid levels and rotors.
For every 20,000 kilometres
You should replace the oil filter and engine oil in accordance to the specifications by the manufacturer.
For every 40,000 kilometres
You should inspect the cells, connections and modules of the hybrid vehicle’s battery system.
For every 60,000 kilometres
Check the hybrid vehicle for potential malfunctions. Replace the spark plugs and brake fluid to prevent corrosion in the brake system.
Buying a Used Hybrid Car - Tips
These guidelines will help you find a worthwhile used hybrid car:
Consider Mileage and Battery Age
While old hybrid cars come at affordable rates, they also include old batteries, and their warranty period is either over or close to being over. Ideally, you should be looking for a hybrid car that has at least a few years left for warranty protection.Mileage and battery age are two important factors that determine whether or not a used hybrid car is under warranty period.
Check Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage is required for a used hybrid car, as the replacement of parts of a hybrid vehicle can be very expensive.Unless you have hybrid car insurance, you will face financial losses if you purchase a used hybrid car without warranty coverage.
Find out if it is Technologically Advanced
List all driver and technology aids that you want in your used hybrid vehicle. Limit your search to hybrid cars with those features.For instance, some drivers prefer that their hybrid vehicles include smartphone integration or blindspot monitoring. Customise your search according to the features that you are looking for in your used hybrid car.
Test Drive is a Must
Not all things can be examined on paper, which is why a test drive is a must.You can find out whether or not the used hybrid SUV you want to purchase offers a smooth ride or whether your frame fits properly into the used hybrid hatchback’s seat until you have conducted a test drive.
Reliance General Insurance Car Insurance for Hybrid Cars - What Does It Cover?
Hybrid vehicles are costly investments that demand proper care and maintenance. However, damage to a hybrid vehicle over time is unavoidable. That is why it is important that you invest in an affordable yet effective
car insurance policy that provides coverage for the financial expenses involved in maintaining hybrid cars.At Reliance General Insurance, we offer discounts on premiums when purchasing our policies online. Additionally, we give you access to over 10,000 network garages for cashless claims. Our wide range of add-ons helps you tailor your car policy for enhanced financial coverage.With coverage for replacement and repair for the consequential loss or damage to the insured hybrid vehicle’s battery, electrical motor, differential, and transmission units, our
Own Damage Car Insurance policy is an appropriate choice for your hybrid vehicle if you already own a third-party policy.Also Read:
How to File a Claim on Car insurance
Conclusion
With periodic checks, you can ensure that your hybrid vehicle continues to perform well for a long period of time. But if you have trouble understanding how to take care of your hybrid vehicle, it is best that you buy a car policy that offers coverage for maintaining its longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a hybrid vehicle require an oil change?
Oil is one of the crucial fluids required in a vehicle’s engine. Generally, an oil change in a hybrid vehicle should take place every 5000-8000 kilometres.
What is the average lifespan of a hybrid vehicle?
Since hybrid vehicles contain lithium-ion batteries, their batteries can last between 160,000 to 240,000 kilometres (approximately).Maintenance, driving habits and weather conditions affect the lifespan of these batteries. Without proper maintenance, these batteries would require replacement, which could be an expensive affair.
Do hybrid vehicles require any additional repairs?
Apart from batteries, hybrid vehicles also use electrified motors. Consequently, you should consider opting for voltage inspection-related services.If your car parts cannot receive ample amperage, their functionality could reduce over time, which would reduce the overall performance of your vehicle.