These days, EVs are in the news as popular alternatives to cars with gasoline engines. However, the sales of hybrid vehicles remain strong, and several car manufacturers sell hybrids. Many drivers talk themselves out of buying hybrid cars because they think that they will be expensive and difficult to maintain. But is that true? It’s a question that we often get at our auto repair shop, so in this article, we’re going to answer it.
Will it cost more to take your hybrid to the auto repair shop than it would for a gas-powered car? Let’s break it down and find out.
Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
There are a lot of misconceptions about the maintenance of hybrid vehicles. Many of them are the same for a vehicle with a standard, gas-powered engine. After all, hybrid cars do still run on gas; they just don’t use as much fuel because of the engine design. Let’s take a look at the maintenance requirements for a hybrid vehicle.
All vehicles require routine maintenance. Hybrid cars still need tune-ups and oil changes, and the maintenance intervals are similar to those of standard vehicles. The precise interval will vary depending on the specific model and your driving habits, but it’s not a dramatic difference from other gas-powered vehicles.
The brakes are where hybrid vehicles really differ from the maintenance needs of other vehicles. Typically, you need to replace your brake pads every 45,000 miles or so. Hybrid vehicles, however, can go much farther before needing new brakes. Hybrid cars do something called “regenerative braking.” During this process, the electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that it stores in the battery. This conversion reduces friction on the brake pads and rotors. The result is a braking system that lasts much longer than other vehicles.
Fun Fact: It’s not uncommon for the Toyota Prius to run 120,000 miles before it needs new brake pads!
The Fundamental Question: The Cost
Repairs are almost always more expensive than routine maintenance. Sourcing replacement parts for common vehicles is easy, but what about hybrids? Many drivers assume replacing hybrid parts will be much more expensive. Sometimes that’s true, but it depends on the part. When you also account for the reduced maintenance costs, the numbers even out. What’s more, there are hybrid-specific component warranties to cover the costs of replacing parts that wear out prematurely. There are a few standard warranty options, and what is available to you depends on the manufacturer and where you live.
If you’re thinking about buying a hybrid but are balking at the cost, remember that the repair and maintenance costs for hybrids are comparable to those of other vehicles. Insurance rates and reduced fuel costs may be the deciding factors for you.
Need an Auto Repair Shop for Your Hybrid? Come to Weston Automotive!
The long and short of it is: don’t let potential repair costs keep you from buying a hybrid. Certified mechanics like our team at Weston Automotive know how to repair and maintain hybrid cars, so you can trust that any car you decide to buy will be in qualified hands.