Things to Consider Before you Purchase a Hybrid

There has been a lot of talk recently about hybrid vehicles. You might even be considering purchasing a hybrid in the near future.

Before you buy a hybrid, we want you to be aware of the necessary maintenance and possible problems you might encounter so you can be a knowledgeable and happy hybrid owner.

Car Battery Replacement

The battery in the hybrid is a lot larger than your conventional battery but they still share the same properties. This means, eventually, it will no longer recharge and will need to be replaced. Most batteries last from 90,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the car. However, there is also the possibility of needing a battery replacement if it malfunctions.

 [GIF Source]

Replacing the battery for a hybrid can be very expensive, a lot more expensive than replacing the AA batteries in your television remote. So, if it is available, it is a good idea to get a warranty on your battery.

Limited Mechanics

Hybrid vehicles have been around for a while now but, at the same time, not all shops are specialized in hybrid vehicle repair. It may seem like hybrids would not require as much routine maintenance, most of the time this is the case. However, they still require some maintenance especially to the gas-powered system of the car.

Some of the issues associated with hybrid vehicles, such as battery replacement, regenerative brake system maintenance, and complex software management need specialized attention. Unfortunately, Uncle Bob might not be able to perform the necessary repairs and maintenance for your hybrid vehicle.

It is best to ask your mechanic or dealer if they have repaired a hybrid or have someone who is specialized in hybrids on staff. By doing your due diligence to find the proper mechanic, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.

Lack of space

Unfortunately, a lot of the hybrids on the market today are not very practical for larger families due to the lack of space. However, more manufactures are beginning to offer SUVs as an option for hybrids.

 [GIF Source]

Due to the larger size of SUVs it is best to check the gas mileage prior to buying. These SUV hybrids can end up having no gas mileage advantage when compared to a standard gas-only vehicle.

Gas Mileage Issues

As mentioned above, the size increase of hybrids can significantly reduce your much-anticipated savings on gas mileage. Frankly, a lot of manufacturers have been throwing the word hybrid on a lot of their vehicles lately. Before you purchase a hybrid, determine what type of hybrid you are buying. Some hybrids have a battery that only functions during low speed driving thus making highway driving no different than driving a gas-only car.

Additionally, when components related to the gas-powered function begin to fail the advantage of a hybrid compared to a gas-only vehicle also diminishes.

Overall purchasing a hybrid is a very good investment, in most cases, as it can allow you to save on gas and maximize mileage. If you decide to get a hybrid, we want you to be aware of the possible problems and maintenance requirements that accompany this investment. That way, when you go to get your car serviced, you can be assured that you will receive a fair repair!

If you have any questions or comments drop them below or send us a message here. We’d love to hear from you. And remember – knowledge is the key to a fair repair.