Are Hybrids More Expensive to Maintain?
Despite the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles, many still question their long-term value. However, this is a misconception.
The maintenance costs for hybrid cars are similar to those of regular vehicles. In fact, they are often less expensive than regular cars. But are hybrids more expensive to maintain?
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about maintaining hybrid cars!
Table of Contents
Are Hybrids More Expensive to Maintain?
No, they are not. Hybrid cars typically have lower maintenance costs than regular vehicles.
Since their gas engines are not working while running on electric power, there is less wear and tear on their components.
In addition, frequent oil changes can extend the life of their vehicle's components. For small hybrid cars, it is recommended to have an oil change at 5,000 miles instead of 3,000 miles.
The lower heat and the regenerative braking system of hybrid cars can extend the life of their brake pads and components.
Most hybrid cars don't require regular maintenance. However, the air filter on the electric battery system of the Ford Escape hybrid should be changed every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
Although hybrid cars are generally less prone to failure than regular vehicles, there is still a chance that a component of the unique hybrid system might fail.
Most new vehicles sold today come with a warranty that covers the hybrid system for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The costs can be astronomical if your hybrid battery fails after you've passed certain milestones like 100,000 miles or 200,000 miles.
Fortunately, most car companies have started reducing replacement batteries' prices. In the past, the cost of a new battery could have been as high as $8,000, but now, it's $2,000.
Common Hybrid Maintenance Myths
After three years, the cost of maintaining an electric vehicle is almost a third cheaper than that of a regular car. The popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles has increased due to rising gas prices.
Before you decide to switch to a hybrid vehicle, there are several myths that you might have about this type of car. We have therefore compiled a list of these common misconceptions about hybrid cars.
Switching to a hybrid vehicle can help you save money and reduce emissions. There are several myths about this car type, so read for more information.
1. High Maintenance
Despite the lower cost of maintaining hybrid cars compared to regular vehicles, some people still question if these are still high-maintenance cars. In reality, hybrid cars can actually reduce the strain on your engine.
The electric motor will help decrease the strain on your engine, which can lead to lower repair costs.
2. Hybrid Cars Are Expensive
The cost of maintaining a hybrid vehicle differs from that of a regular car. Some people believe it costs more to maintain an electric or hybrid vehicle than a regular one.
Hybrid cars are generally less expensive than regular vehicles. In some cases, they can even be as low as half the cost of a regular car.
As the popularity of hybrid and electric cars continues to increase, the costs associated with maintaining these types of vehicles are starting to decrease.
3. Hybrids Don't Last Long
Regarding hybrid versus regular car maintenance, some people might question if these vehicles are as reliable as their gasoline counterparts.
In most comparisons, electric or hybrid cars are pitted against each other after around 200,000 miles.
One of the biggest concerns about hybrid cars is the battery. Most car companies provide a 100,000-mile warranty on their vehicles.
You can also opt for a 10-year or more extended warranty if you have doubts about the battery's reliability.
4. New Technology
Some people are also skeptical about the new technology in hybrid cars. One of the main concerns is the poor battery or the catalytic converter. Issues with these components can occur when the vehicle gets higher miles.
Despite the various concerns about hybrid cars, the technology behind these vehicles has existed for a long time.
The costs associated with replacing a battery can be cheaper than those associated with regular vehicle repairs.
5. Hybrid Maintenance Schedule
Another common misconception about hybrid cars is that they require different maintenance schedules.
Although this is not the case, hybrid vehicles should be regularly maintained. They need the exact maintenance schedules as regular cars.
Hybrid Maintenance
Maintaining a hybrid vehicle is crucial to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining a hybrid car does not cost more than a regular one.
If you are planning on keeping your hybrid car for a long time, you need the help of a professional service team.
The right professionals working on your vehicle can help ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Before we can talk about the various aspects of hybrid car maintenance, we must first explain how they work.
A hybrid vehicle uses two different types of engines. One is a traditional combustion engine, and the other is a battery.
Unlike regular cars, hybrid vehicles do not use a combustion engine. Instead, they use an electric motor to power their operation.
This means the car's combustion engine shuts down when the electric motor is engaged.
Since the combustion engine of a traditional car doesn't work constantly, a hybrid vehicle can reduce the wear and tear of the engine. This process can help lower the vehicle's maintenance costs.
Are Hybrids Worth the Hype?
Yes, they are worth the hype. There are many reasons people should consider buying a hybrid vehicle when choosing a new car.
In addition to their lower maintenance costs, hybrid vehicles also offer numerous other benefits.
Fuel Savings
One of the main reasons why people choose hybrid cars over conventional vehicles is due to their lower fuel consumption.
Since fuel costs have gone up significantly, the prospect of fuel savings can supersede other factors when making a decision.
With that in mind, hybrid cars can save drivers hundreds of dollars annually at the pump.
The savings people can get from hybrid cars increase as gas prices increase. However, as the gas price goes down, the savings people can get from hybrid cars will also decrease.
For instance, if the gas prices were at the same level when you were considering buying a new car, you could save around $400 annually.
Carbon Footprint
Aside from conserving money at the pump, people also believe they have a moral responsibility to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
By not using fossil fuels, people can help save the planet from environmental damage.
Although hybrid cars can help reduce one's carbon footprint, they are only ideal for some.
For instance, a hybrid might be a better alternative if one needs help justifying the purchase of an electric car due to its limited driving range.
Incentives
Incentives for hybrid cars used to be available when the market was less favorable. These incentives have since disappeared for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
However, they are still available for other types of cars. It is important to check the EPA's website for details about the different incentives available for different models.
For instance, the tax credits for the Honda Clarity and Volvo S90 are the most popular types of incentives.
Other popular plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are also eligible for these incentives.
Reliability
Hybrid vehicles have been around for a long time and are still reliable even though their batteries have become more complex.
With better manufacturing processes and materials, these cars are now more reliable than ever.
Toyota's Prius is one of the most reliable hybrid cars around. Its low maintenance requirements and stellar reliability make it one of the most affordable vehicles to maintain.
When repairs are required, it is typically cheaper to replace parts than the average car.
Maintenance Costs
One of the main reasons why people refuse to buy hybrid cars is due to their perceived high maintenance.
Battery packs are often associated with expensive repairs. However, this misconception is only partially true, as all-electric cars have much larger battery packs.
On the other hand, hybrid vehicles have smaller ones, one of many sources of their power.
Although it is common for people to think that replacing a battery pack is expensive, this is not the case.
In fact, the cost of doing so is typically cheaper than replacing components in a conventional car.
Some vehicle models have differential, transmission, transfer case, and transmission replacement costs compared to those for hybrid batteries.
Despite this, many people still believe that replacing a battery pack is more expensive than it is.
