Top 5 hybrid car maintenance issues and their costs to repair
Hybrid cars might seem slightly more complex than fully electric or combustion engine vehicles. Fortunately, maintenance costs typically aren’t any higher, so as long as you keep up with regular servicing you shouldn't experience any major problems. As with any vehicle though, there are a few things to look out for and tackling them early can save you money in the future.
Battery
The battery in a hybrid car is obviously one of the most important and expensive components. EV batteries are far more reliable than they used to be, but since they’re operating at such high voltage, reliability problems can occur. Letting a battery run completely flat can cause damage, as can over-charging it. Extremes of temperature are likely to have a detrimental effect too, so regular servicing is essential. A damaged battery can cost up to £1500 to recondition.
Oil changes
Unlike fully electric cars, hybrid vehicles still have a petrol or diesel engine, which requires the same maintenance steps as a conventional car. In our experience, oil changes are often overlooked, especially in hybrid vehicles where it’s easy to forget. Check your oil level regularly, top up if necessary and change it at the intervals specified by the manufacturer. An average oil change runs to around £100, and this can prevent all kinds of other, far more serious problems further down the line.
Engine light
This certainly isn’t a problem for all hybrid cars, but more commonly affects German brands such as Audi and Volkswagen. You might find that the engine light comes on without any specific error code. While this isn’t a problem in itself, it’s dangerous if it masks a genuine issue. It’s the lack of information, rather than the light itself, which is the problem. The resolution depends on what the underlying issue is, so cost varies depending on the fault, but a full diagnostic is the safest option and will pinpoint the issue.
Tyre health
Tyre wear is, in our experience, the number one maintenance issue for all vehicles, regardless of their type. Our qualified fitters recommend only using recognised brands, for example, Pirelli, Bridgestone or Falken. Check your tyres routinely for damage and make sure that they have the right amount of tread. The price of a new tyre varies considerably between brands, from as little as £40 up to around £130.
Windscreen wipers and fluid
Exactly like conventionally powered cars, hybrids still require windscreen wipers and fluids. Poor quality or worn-down windscreen wipers can actually lead to a failed MOT, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. Also ensure that the windscreen washer fluid is topped up. Fortunately, worn or damaged windscreen wipers are not expensive to fix, replacements usually only cost up to £30.
The local garage you can trust
To avoid these potential pitfalls, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is serviced regularly; our qualified mechanics are here to help. You can book a free vehicle check online or opt for a more thorough vehicle service. Alternatively, give us a call to discuss your vehicle and needs in more detail.
