How to Care for a Hybrid Car Correctly?
26 May, 2023
Hybrid cars are considered to have many advantages suitable for future needs compared to conventional cars because they use two propulsion systems. The use of gasoline-powered engine technology together with electric motors makes hybrid cars more fuel-efficient and produces less exhaust emissions. It’s no wonder that currently many big automotive brands are releasing hybrid products.
However, there are many assumptions that hybrid car maintenance is more complicated than conventional cars because it uses two propulsion technologies at once, is that true? Actually not, as long as you know how to properly care for a hybrid car.
How to Care for Hybrid Cars?
1. Avoid Machine Washing
For ordinary car types, washing the engine compartment is common so that it is always clean. However, specifically for hybrids, this should not be done. Washing carelessly of machine parts can cause damage to the electrical part.
Just clean the engine compartment with a cloth that is not too wet. Wash into the dirty part so that the dust is gone. Avoid using pressurized water to spray the engine room. This is important so that the engine area does not experience a short circuit.
2. Replace and Clean the Fan Filter
In order not to overheat easily, replace the fan filter if it is worn out. Clean these components at least once every 6 months. If it is very dirty, it is better to replace it with a new one. Don’t forget other maintenance that you usually do on a conventional car. For example changing engine oil, oil filter, and brake pads.
3. Take Care of the Condition of the Battery Diligently
Hybrid cars move with a battery system, so this component must be maintained. If you buy a used hybrid car, check the battery life regularly. You can check the condition of the battery by taking the car to an authorized dealer to scan the battery’s health levels. A decrease in performance usually occurs at the age of the 10th car. If forced to replace the car battery, the costs required range from Rp. 20-Rp. 60 million.
4. Check the Cooling System Routinely
You also have to check the cooling system on a hybrid car regularly, especially the water level in the radiator. Make sure the water level does not get less so that the cooling system remains optimal.
Also, check other cooler related devices. Starting from the water pump, extra fan, to the relay. These components must be treated extra so that the hybrid car does not overheat.
5. Check Wind Pressure Routinely
The air pressure on the tires of a hybrid car must be stable. If not, it will aggravate the battery and engine performance. In addition, you should routinely use a hybrid car so that battery life remains optimal.
6. Follow the Manual Instructions
In fact, complete guidelines for hybrid car care are available in the guidebook
There are guidelines about what can’t and can be done with the car. Check the manual provided by the car brand.
Like a new Wuling Almaz Hybrid user, you will definitely get a guidebook. There you will see how easy it is to maintain a car that uses a combination of these two fuel systems. This Wuling hybrid car uses a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. As a result, the power generated reaches 12 hp with 168 Nm of maximum torque, fuel consumption is relatively economical. Almaz Hybrid maintenance is relatively easy, as well as being able to save up to 10% fuel.
How to Care Hybrid Cars vs Conventional Cars
1. Battery Maintenance
The main difference between hybrid and regular car maintenance is in the battery section. For hybrid cars, the battery is vital so its performance must be monitored. Make sure the filter in the area around the battery is free of dust.
Meanwhile, in ordinary cars, the maintenance focuses on the engine. Engine maintenance on ordinary cars includes diligent oil changes, filters, and so on. Make sure on an ordinary car, don’t be late for an oil change.
2. Treatment Must Be Periodic
Hybrid car engine performance is indeed lighter. However, periodic maintenance on hybrid cars must be done on time. You should not miss the oil change schedule, radiator water, and battery. Indeed, this is not much different from ordinary car maintenance.
However, there are some parts of the cost of maintaining a hybrid car which tend to be more expensive. Especially when you have problems with damage to the battery, you have to be prepared to spend more.
Maintenance costs for hybrid cars are indeed more expensive, but not for the cost of using a hybrid car. Hybrid cars use a combination of electricity and fossil fuels, so their operational costs are lower. The money you spend to use a hybrid car every day is less than using a regular car.
In addition to economical fuel consumption, hybrid performance is also not inferior to ordinary cars. So, are you interested in using a hybrid car as a vehicle today? Make sure hybrid car maintenance is done properly so that your favorite car doesn’t lose its performance quickly.
