Are Hybrid Cars High Maintenance?

With more Howell drivers becoming concerned with fuel efficiency, we’re finding the interest in hybrid vehicles is growing. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors to power you through your adventures. With the involvement of electric motors, we understand that you may be worried about hybrid car maintenance costs. So, are hybrid cars high maintenance? The short answer is no.

Hybrid vehicles require similar amounts of maintenance as standard vehicles. In fact, some components will even need to be maintained less on a hybrid vehicle. Mazda hybrids are known to be low maintenance and provide reliable and fuel-efficient transportation for many drivers. Ready to learn more? Discover hybrid car maintenance costs today with the service experts at Serra Mazda Brighton.

Typical Hybrid Car Maintenance Costs

With many shoppers wondering, “Are hybrid cars high maintenance?” it’s important that we go over the maintenance costs of a hybrid vehicle. When you’re beginning your research on the auto services needed for a hybrid vehicle, you’ll find that it’s not much different than a standard vehicle. Generally, hybrid vehicles will need oil changes around every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or 2 to 3 times per year) and will likely require similar maintenance items as vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine.

Because of this, you’ll find that hybrid car maintenance reliability is similar to a normal vehicle. The only exception is the replacement of a hybrid vehicle battery. However, many drivers report their hybrid battery lasting upwards of 200,000 miles or more. Some advice we have regarding hybrid vehicle maintenance costs include:

Oil Changes

With oil change intervals remaining similar to standard vehicles, oil changes will cost the same on a hybrid vehicle.

Batteries

Most hybrid vehicles have two batteries: a standard vehicle battery and a hybrid battery. The hybrid vehicle battery will likely need to be replaced similar to a standard vehicle battery. In the unlikely event that your car’s hybrid battery needs to be replaced, the costs could be a bit pricier, especially with changes in international trade policies. That said, federal law requires carmakers to provide warranty coverage for hybrid batteries for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. 

Other Wear & Tear Maintenance

Aside from hybrid vehicle battery replacements, other wear and tear maintenance items on a Mazda hybrid vehicle will not be much different from any other vehicle, with tires, lightbulbs, and other regular service items needing to be replaced at their recommended service intervals.

Benefits of Hybrid Car Maintenance

If you’re still on the fence about a hybrid vehicle, we get it. However, by choosing a new Mazda hybrid, you’re getting a fuel-efficient and dependable vehicle that won’t let you down on your South Lyon drives. Their maintenance isn’t much different from any other dependable Mazda vehicles, but they have the added benefit of increased efficiency. Some other benefits of maintenance on a Mazda hybrid vehicle are as follows:

• Increased Brake Life: Hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking, which uses the momentum of your vehicle on the Ann Arbor streets to regain some energy for the battery. This regenerative braking system means that your regular brakes will be used less, resulting in increased brake life.
• Longer Oil Change Intervals: Since your internal combustion engine may not always be running, the need for oil changes may be decreased. However, we recommend you have a trained professional check your oil regularly to ensure that your hybrid vehicle runs in tip-top shape.
• Less Overall Maintenance: Similar to oil changes, you’ll likely need less overall maintenance with a hybrid vehicle. With the internal combustion engine being used less, fewer moving parts will be worn down. Electric motors are also very simple and will require fewer parts replacements over time. 

Get Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Today at Serra Mazda Brighton!

If you have a hybrid vehicle that you’re looking to maintain, feel free to stop by at Serra Mazda Brighton. We offer professional technicians who’ll have your hybrid vehicle running smoothly on the Brighton roads for many years to come. Get in touch with us today to learn more about Mazda hybrid vehicle reliability.