LOOKING FOR HYBRID CAR MAINTENANCE?

The gasoline engine on a hybrid requires the same maintenance as that on any car.

In the early days of hybrids, many repair shops were hesitant to work on them, so drivers found themselves having to go to dealerships — which are sometimes more expensive. The Mechanics at Burbank Auto Doctor are trained and willing to work on hybrids.

Routine maintenance costs on a hybrid may be lower than on a regular car. The gas engine shuts down when the car is idling and at other times, such as driving at low speeds when the electric motor takes over. That means there’s less wear and tear on the engine. On smaller hybrids, especially, oil changes are recommended at 5,000 miles (8,046 kilometers) rather than the 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) that mechanics recommend for many similar cars.

The hybrids’ regenerative braking system and the lower heat involved means that brake pads and brakes tend to last much longer.

With most hybrid cars, no special regular maintenance is needed on the hybrid system. One exception is the Ford Escape hybrid: The air filter on its electric battery system should be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles (64,373 to 80,437 kilometers).

There is, however, always the possibility that some part of the special hybrid system, most often the large battery pack, will fail. Hybrids sold today usually have warranties on the hybrid system that are good for eight years/100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers) or 10 years/150,000 miles (241,402 kilometers). But if you’re unlucky and your car’s hybrid battery dies after you’ve passed those milestones, the costs can be staggering. The good news is that most manufacturers have reduced the price of a replacement hybrid battery. In the early days of hybrids, the batteries could cost as much as $8,000. Today, you can expect to pay much less.