Hybrid Auto Maintenance: Back-To-School Hybrid Car Care Tips

If you are a parent to school age children, then you are probably counting down the days until they go back to school. With all the ups and downs of the last 18+ months, you may have overlooked having a hybrid oil change or checking the fluids, tires, brakes, & cooling system on your car. Luckily, I’ve put together some informative Hybrid car care tips to help you get all caught up on your hybrid auto maintenance services and be ready for all the back-to-school activities.


PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations on how often you should have your hybrid serviced. Below are some typical inspections and services that you should have performed regularly. Some are safe for you to do at home. However, you might consider having a trained hybrid technician perform your hybrid car’s maintenance.


HYBRID OIL CHANGE

Since your hybrid auto still uses a combustion engine part of the time, you will still need to get regular oil changes. The frequency may be less often than a regular, non-hybrid car. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service mileage/time markers for oil changes.


OIL WEIGHT

The recommended oil weight (usually 0W-20) for most hybrid autos is lower than for standard combustion engine autos. But, make sure to check your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s recommended oil weight.


HYBRID FLUIDS

Since hybrids still use an Internal Combustion Engine part of the time, they use all the same fluids that a traditional vehicle uses, and sometimes a few more. Therefore, you should routinely check the levels on the following fluids:

  • Engine oil
  • Coolant/Antifreeze (may be more than one cooling system)
  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid (if applicable)
  • Power steering fluid
  • Reduction gear oil


HYBRID COOLING SYSTEM

The engine has a cooling system that operates with a mixture of antifreeze and water to keep the engine cool. Most hybrid models also have a dedicated cooling system for the electronics and regenerative braking system. Electric and hybrid vehicles can generate a lot of heat under normal operation. So, make sure you or a technician tops off the coolant levels and the cooling system is performing as designed. Bring your hybrid in for a diagnostic service right away if you notice it overheating.


HYBRID ELECTRONICS & BATTERY CARE

Most hybrids are designed with both the standard (safe) 12 volt battery to power the low-voltage electrical system, and the (more dangerous) maintenance free, high-voltage battery (can be in excess of 100 volts). If you suspect any issues with your batteries or electronics, schedule a hybrid diagnostic service to locate the problem safely.


REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM

The regenerative braking found in hybrid cars reduces wear on the brake components which makes them last longer. They should still have regular inspections however, since your driving style, road conditions, and other factors may impact their wear.


WHEELS & TIRES

All vehicles should have their tires regularly inspected for excessive wear, uneven tire treads, cracks or other damage, and proper tire pressure. A technician should perform a wheel alignment and tire balancing as suggested in your owner’s manual, or whenever you replace your tires, have an accident, or notice steering vibrations.


WARNING LIGHTS

Dashboard warning lights alert you if there is a problem. Therefore, check your owner’s manual to see if you can handle the problem yourself, or if it’s better to make use of a trained technician. Regardless, take care the problem asap. Ignored warning light issues often result in damaged electrical components, batteries, and cooling systems.


CHOOSE A HYBRID TRAINED TECHNICIAN

Your hybrid is a well-designed machine that requires regular and preventative maintenance to run smoothly and safely. Most hybrids require specialized equipment and extensive training to be diagnosed, serviced, and repaired correctly. Make sure you find a qualified technician to help you make educated decisions regarding the upkeep on your hybrid to keep it in tip-top shape for the new school year, and for years to come.


GET YOUR HYBRID CLEAN & ORGANIZED

Now that you have your hybrid running like new again, focus on the other ways you can get your vehicle ready to handle all the challenges back-to-school schedules can bring.


  • WASH & WAX EXTERIOR
    A good wash and wax will protect the paint and clear coat from damages (sun, bird droppings, bugs) and make it look shiny too.
  • CLEAN & VACUUM INTERIOR
    Remove all the trash that may have accumulated over the summer, and put away any stray items where they belong. Give the seats, floors, floor mats, trunk, etc. a thorough vacuuming and then wipe away any remaining dust, dirt, and sticky residue off all the surfaces with a car-specific cleaner.
  • ORGANIZE
    Make sure to organize the interior to make room for book bags, sports equipment, musical instruments, and the kids that go with them.
  • CAR SEATS & SEAT BELTS
    Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. It is vital to select and use a car seat correctly every time your child is in the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (
    NHTSA) website contains important information on how seat belts should fit on your child. For children that still need car seats, they have tips and guidelines on selecting and installing the appropriate car seat or booster seat based on your child’s age and size.


HYBRID AUTO MAINTENANCE IN CLARKSVILLE, TN

Hybrids are complicated machines, so if you would like to schedule a back-to-school preventative service for your hybrid, we can help. A&R Complete Auto Care has the tools and experience to keep your hybrid running safely and efficiently. 


SCHEDULE SERVICE

Call us at (931) 552-0606 or make a service appointment online with one of our qualified hybrid technicians today!

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Our customer-focused team welcomes each of our customers home with each visit. We are always ready to give honest and practical recommendations for all of your service, repairs and scheduled maintenance needs. Whether you drive a new car or a trusted  older model, our friendly and polite team is eager to welcome you home.

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