Are you thinking of buying a hybrid vehicle? Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular now that more consumers are interested in living an environmentally friendly lifestyle. But, it’s important to learn how to maintain a hybrid vehicle before you actually purchase one. According to the Denver car repair experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center, these are the questions you should ask before buying a hybrid:
Are hybrid cars expensive to maintain?
A hybrid vehicle will cost more than a traditional gas vehicle upfront. But, this does not mean that it is more expensive to buy and own a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid owners will save a significant amount of money on gas since hybrid vehicles use far less fuel than traditional cars. Many people are concerned that maintenance will cost more since hybrid vehicles use advanced technology, but that’s not the case. You shouldn’t expect to pay any more to maintain your hybrid vehicle than you would to maintain a regular car. Read hybrids 101: guide to hybrid cars.
Do hybrid cars come with a warranty?
If you are buying a new hybrid car, don’t forget to ask the dealer about the warranty. Most hybrid cars have manufacturer warranties that last 8-10 years or 100,000-150,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should also make sure you understand the terms of the warranty. For example, a warranty may state you have to get the car’s oil changed every X number of miles or the warranty will be voided. If you don’t know the terms of the warranty, you could accidentally do something to void it.
What unique maintenance needs do hybrid vehicles have?
You may think that maintaining a hybrid is much different than maintaining a gas vehicle, but that’s not true. The two types of cars have very similar maintenance needs. But, the parts under the hood of a hybrid vehicle will look different than what you’re used to because of the many electrical components. For this reason, it’s best to bring your hybrid into a mechanic that has experience working on these vehicles.
Can you maintain a hybrid vehicle without a professional’s help?
Many people are used to checking their fluids and changing their oil on their own, so they may wonder if they will still be able to do this with a hybrid. Unfortunately, it’s recommended that you do not perform any maintenance on your hybrid vehicle. Even though changing the oil is the same on a hybrid as it is on a fuel vehicle, there are other electrical components underneath the hood that make this task a bit more complicated.
For more information on how to care for a hybrid vehicle, talk to the experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center. You can request an auto repair appointment with Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center online or you can text us. We have many same day services available, and we also provide customers with access to a free shuttle to ensure their needs—and their hybrid vehicle—are taken care of.