Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Maintenance Service in Birmingham, AL

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Maintenance

Hybrid Electric vehicles (EV) have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, requiring less maintenance. However, hybrids and EVs still need regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly. Our team at Limbaugh Toyota is here to provide exceptional service that exceeds all expectations. You can also rest assured that our team has the knowledge and training necessary to ensure your hybrid or EV receives the top-quality care it deserves. If your hybrid or electric vehicle needs an auto maintenance service, bring your vehicle to our service center in Birmingham, AL.

What You Need To Know About Hybrid and EV Maintenance

While hybrid and EVs are similar since they both use high-voltage energy for propulsion, they also have some differences. An EV's sole power source comes from electricity stored in a high-voltage battery pack that an external power source can charge. Hybrids have two forms of propulsion – electric and gas-powered. EVs and hybrids have several of the same components as traditional gas-powered vehicles, which means the vehicle still requires maintenance to keep it operating smoothly. The frequency of services for an EV and hybrid is lower and primarily focuses on maintaining high-voltage power electronics.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Maintenance

You want your vehicle to last mile after mile, so you should keep up with the maintenance on your hybrid or EV. These services include inspecting the mass air flow sensor, the fuel system, the battery, the coolant system, and more. For a specific maintenance schedule for your vehicle, refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual.

For EVs that use coolant or refrigerant to prevent components from overheating, it’s recommended to have the cooling system checked every six months, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

Hybrids need more frequent coolant checks because of the additional heat produced by the battery pack.

No matter what powers your vehicle, you’ll want to regularly refill your windshield washer fluid and replace the windshield wipers when necessary.

An EV and hybrid vehicle still require tire services such as wheel alignments and tire rotations. Some manufacturers recommend rotating the tires and aligning the wheels every 5,000 miles or every six months, but it varies by vehicle make and model.

Brake pad maintenance on hybrid vehicles and EVs is just as essential as on gas-powered vehicles. Hybrids and EVs use brake fluid to modulate their binders, so you should regularly flush and replace brake fluid. Both EVs and hybrids have a longer brake life than gas-powered vehicles. This is because EVs and hybrids have a regenerative braking function, allowing the motor to slow the vehicle by recovering the kinetic energy.

While EVs do not require oil changes, hybrid vehicles use the internal combustion engine (ICE) part of the time, so they do require oil changes. Since the engine has less wear and tear, oil changes for hybrid vehicles are less frequent. Depending on your driving habits, you may need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

In hybrid vehicles, a high-voltage battery pack typically helps propel the vehicle partway before the ICE kicks in. These two powers are then blended together, which is another reason why hybrid batteries last quite a while. Your hybrid battery can deteriorate if the engine or auxiliary fan system is neglected. Many hybrid vehicles have an air-cooled battery pack that is equipped with a serviceable air filter. Hybrid engines produce a lot of heat, and the air-cooled battery will push air through the filter to help it cool down. It can be beneficial to have your hybrid battery inspected and replaced occasionally.

Electric vehicle batteries have a long lifespan, but for a definite lifespan on your battery, refer to your manufacturer’s warranty. Many manufacturers include a battery-limited warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles, but it’s essential to check with your manufacturer to see if your vehicle has a warranty.

Your EV and hybrid battery should be inspected whenever you bring your vehicle in for a service appointment.

While electric or hybrid maintenance is not as frequent as on gas-powered vehicles, it does not mean that auto services are not needed. If you have questions about your vehicle maintenance needs, don’t hesitate to contact our service center. Our team can handle all your electric vehicle and hybrid service needs, like cooling system inspections, refilling windshield wiper fluid, checking brake pads and fluids, and examining tire wear.

Schedule Auto Service with Limbaugh Toyota

If your electric vehicle or hybrid needs an auto service, schedule an appointment at the Limbaugh Toyota service center in Birmingham, AL. Our service center is conveniently located at 2200 Avenue T, Birmingham, AL 35218. We look forward to serving you soon.