Do you own a hybrid car? Regardless of the reason why you switched to one, it’s crucial to understand how you can better take care of it over the long term. Maintenance and repair for hybrid cars share similarities with that of traditional vehicles that run on petrol.
There are issues that hybrid cars across different manufacturers have in common. In this post, let’s explore the problems that hybrid vehicles usually suffer from. We will enumerate quick and effective means to deal with them.
- Weak Batteries
While not an intentional flaw, the batteries found in hybrid cars are generally weaker than those found in traditional vehicles. There are certain car batteries that are only designed for hybrid use. While hybrid cars are becoming commonplace, supplies, parts, and after service equipment are still expensive. Keeping this in mind, it is therefore imperative to know the different signs that your hybrid car is failing.
Since hybrid cars are not totally dependent on gas, replacing weak or dead batteries may not be as expensive. Be more careful on the road and increase aware of your driving habits. Expect to spend more on the battery itself and paying for the specialised service for proper and safe installation.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensors
Like a traditional car, hybrid versions are outfitted with oxygen sensors that keep track of the concentration of unburned oxygen released through the exhaust system. Unusually high levels of oxygen in the exhaust will prove costly as a symptom of a more serious problem, such as gas mileage issues. A faulty oxygen sensor will result in more trips to the petrol station, thus negating your switch to a hybrid car.
It is therefore imperative to replace the oxygen sensor once it shows signs of malfunction. Despite the expensive replacement cost, this will prove to save you more money over the long haul.
- Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
If you’ve had previous experience of replacing a catalytic converter, be it for a standard or hybrid car, you are well aware that this is a major and expensive service. Depending on the type of hybrid vehicle you are driving, a catalytic converter replacement will cost you a lot.
To avoid spending thousands on your hybrid vehicle’s catalytic converter system, we highly recommend visiting a trusted automotive shop for routine maintenance. It is imperative to look for car mechanics that specialise in working with hybrid cars, so you get accurate assessment every time.
- Evaporative Emission Systems Not Working Properly
The evaporative emission system is a critical component of any car, hybrid or otherwise. It is responsible for controlling the volume of emissions. Hybrid cars are notorious for being prone to issues such as leaks or total evaporative emission failure.
Replacing the evaporative emission system for a hybrid car is imperative to ensure that you are driving responsibly. Additionally, a failing or malfunctioning evaporative emission system may cause a domino effect, resulting in more costly issues over time.
- Low Highway Gas Mileage
Hybrid vehicles work differently than standard cars in many ways. For instance, hybrids capture energy via a process called regenerative braking. When you hit the brakes of a hybrid car, energy is released through heat. Unlike traditional vehicles, the energy is recycled. It recharges the batteries that are yet to be used again during operation.
In cases where a hybrid car is cruising along a long highway, the absence of braking from time to time does not generate any energy for the batteries to use. While this is not causing any problem to the batteries, it does influence the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car.
- German Check Engine Light Issues
One major selling point of driving hybrid cars is that they do not suffer from too many engine problems compared alongside standard vehicles. However, German hybrids, including Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen seem to encounter faulty engine more often than cars from other brands.
Drivers report issues with check engine light suddenly coming on or staying on despite troubleshooting. This glitch is a major nuisance and annoying, to say the least. A check engine light issue compromises one’s road safety.
It is therefore imperative for hybrid vehicle owners to have their check engine light repaired or fixed as soon as possible. A skilled car mechanic in Sydney, with knowledge and training in the repair and maintenance of hybrid cars usually fixes the problem right away.
Expert Routine Maintenance and Repair Services at HP Automotive
Looking for a reliable automotive shop in Sydney? If so, then look no further. As premier auto mechanic professionals, we at HP Automotive offer a wide range of maintenance and repair solutions to hybrid car owners in Sydney and surrounding suburbs of NSW. With years of expertise in servicing, minor repairs, and major repairs, you can rest assured of speedy, efficient, and affordable resolutions to your hybrid car issues. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, call our direct line on +61 9979 8372 today.