Curious about hybrid maintenance?

Kickstart your research with this little guide

Like petrol vehicles, electric vehicles generally perform at their best when they’re cared for. And if you’ve got your eye on the EV lifestyle and wondering what sort of maintenance is reasonable to expect, take a seat and read on.

First – what is a hybrid vehicle, anyway?

If you’re at the beginning of your research – or even just want to refresh your memory – it's worth pointing out there are two vehicles on the market that use electricity: electric cars and hybrids. Electric cars run completely on the electricity stored within their battery. Hybrids, on the other hand, use both electricity and fuel. (Hence the name.) They have an electricity motor as well as a combustion engine which runs off petrol. Dig a little deeper into how they work with this article.

So - hybrids could be a good option if you want to break into the EV world gradually and want the back-up of fuel if needed. And should you wish to keep it running at tip-top condition, of course you’ll want to know how.

Every make and model is different

So we can’t claim this is a definitive list on hybrid maintenance. But it could be handy for that broad overview of what your hybrid ownership or lease could feasibly involve. So let’s take a look at the types of jobs you might have.

1. Changing transmission fluid

Transmission fluid generally helps to lubricate moving parts, aid with changing gears in a manual, and keeps things operate at their best, from clutches to torques, depending on the car. Depending on the make and model of your hybrid, this could be your responsibility. It’s always worth checking once you’ve narrowed down a few options on the hybrid market.

2. Managing your battery

All hybrids have batteries within their electric motors. And while some hybrid batteries get their charge purely from regenerative braking, meaning you don’t need to charge them yourself, others may have batteries that require you to play an active role in their level of charge, such as keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80%. Stay battery savvy with our article on supporting EV batteries and their lifespan.

3. Carrying out routine engine checks

Any vehicle with an engine inside it benefits from that engine being regularly checked and maintained, so you can feasibly expect to check on oil levels and replace filters, for example.

4. Checking brake pads

Depending on the vehicle, you may be able to do this by getting down on the floor and looking between the spokes of the wheel where you might see a pad – or a wear indicator slot down the middle of the pad. Your manual will be your friend.

5. Keeping on top of maintenance milestones

Keep on top of those annual, regular, and once-in-while maintenance checks and dates. You could consider having a separate calendar just for your car, making a cup of tea, and planning out a year or six months in advance. As they say, you get what you give, and the more care you invest in your hybrid the more it can also care for you.

6. Finding reliable mechanics and garages

Having a reputable hybrid mechanic who can help maintain yours could give you peace of mind and keep everything running smoothly.

We hope you feel more informed on what you can expect with hybrid maintenance, and what you might want to clarify with manufacturers or sales teams when you’re considering a particular model.