How often do you service a hybrid car?
There are now in-excess of half a million hybrid cars across Europe. The most popular hybrid cars on the road today include the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Corolla, and the Lexus UX.
Hybrid cars are rapidly increasing in popularity thanks to their modernity, a gradual reduction in price, and the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly solutions.
Are hybrid cars reliable?
Hybrids may prove more reliable than regular cars because the way they work means there is less stress exerted on both the engine and the brakes. This, in theory, means those elements won’t need replacing as often as on a standard car, and the vehicle itself should therefore have a longer lifespan.
Hybrid servicing – what is different about a hybrid service?
Despite a few differences, hybrid cars are mostly the same as traditional cars and therefore most of elements of a service are the same. However, there are a number of additional aspects that are specific to hybrid cars. These include;
Checking the condition of the charging point and charging cables
Visually checking high voltage cables and connectors for any signs of damage
Connecting diagnostics for a hybrid health check (and assessing the relevant data)
Rotating the road wheels to check for brake binding
Checking the inverter coolant levels
Many Protyre garages can now provide a full hybrid car service where the condition of your hybrid car will be thoroughly assessed. Those garages that offer hybrid services also have electrical charging stations for your convenience. You can easily identify your closest hybrid-friendly Protyre garage using our website’s garage locator.
Because of the unique nature of hybrid cars, and the associated risks of working with their internal high voltage systems, many of our technicians are trained specifically to work on hybrids. This training is thorough (and accredited) and means that they can safely and effectively carry out repairs and maintenance on any hybrid vehicle. Our mechanics will always contact you for approval before undertaking any substantial hybrid car repair that is deemed necessary
The garages that offer hybrid services offer three levels of service; Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Bronze Service
Protyre’s Bronze service is ideal for those who use their hybrid vehicle regularly for city travelling or who cover significant mileage in a short space of time. It can be done on-demand or to provide peace of mind in between more comprehensive annual check-ups. The Bronze service includes an antifreeze top-up, battery check, steering check, exhaust check, oil and filter change, and more.
Silver Service
Sometimes also referred to as an intermediate service, our Silver service is recommended for those who want to ensure their vehicle functions at an efficient and reliable level for a longer period of time, and for those who want to minimise the risk of breakdowns. The service includes everything in the Bronze package plus additional aspects including an inspection of all the electrical components, checks on the battery terminals, the brake pads, the wheel bearings, the suspension, the timing belt, and more. Any parts that are replaced are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Gold Service
The Gold service is our most comprehensive service option. This service includes all of the aspects covered in the Bronze and Silver services, plus full additional checks on components like the alternator, engine, radiator and more. Again, any new parts that are fitted are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles. The full service is great for those who have a fairly new vehicle (which most hybrids are) and haven’t seen many previous services.
How often should a hybrid vehicle be serviced?
In most cases, hybrid cars do not need to be serviced any more often than a regular car, so we would recommend a full service at least once a year. However, it is always worth checking your owner’s manual for full in-depth information that is specific to your particular vehicle.
Free checks at Protyre garages
Even if you aren’t sure whether you need a service or not, at Protyre garages we also provide a number of free checks for your vehicle, including your tyres and wheel alignment, battery, brakes, tyres, exhaust, steering, and suspension.
Booking
You can book any of the aforementioned checks, an MOT, or a hybrid service online or over the phone. Same day appointments are often available at some garages. To find your nearest Protyre garage, simply enter your postcode in the search function on our website and click the Car Hybrid Services box.
Protyre garages
Our network of garages is staffed by experienced and qualified fitters and mechanics who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. All Protyre garages stock a full range of tyres, including premium tyres from the likes of Pirelli, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Falken, and Sumitomo – as well as cheaper options for when you are on a tighter budget.
