Whether you have already purchased a Hybrid or are thinking about making the change to embrace the new technology, knowing Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service can help you maintain your vehicle and what the differences are, is also very important.

As you know, all cars need servicing regularly, Hybrids are no exception. The maintenance needs of a Hybrid car are not so different from regular cars as they all have combustion engines. 

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we have made it our focus to update our training and make sure we have qualified technicians to professionally service your Hybrid no matter which type: Mild, Series, Parallel, Series-Parallel or Plug-In.

The electric motor, generator and regenerative braking features of a hybrid all have their unique components which might need to be repaired and replaced.

Even though Hybrids have additional Auto Electrical components to the vehicles, servicing them shouldn’t take any longer than regular vehicles, however, they do require specialist knowledge and equipment to diagnose and maintain, which we have at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service.

Whilst you can check your own fluid levels, change air filters, check tyre pressures etc Hybrids, because of their engineered components and sophisticated electronics means do-it-yourself maintenance tasks are more difficult.

Here are some Tips you should be aware of:

• Don’t touch the wires unless you know what they are doing. The wiring system is integrated into the whole system and a disconnect will bring your vehicle to a standstill.
• Check your tyre pressures. Maintaining correct tyre pressure is one of the keys to all types of fuel efficiency.
• Check your oil levels. One of the benefits of a hybrid is that the oil does not get used as much. While it will still need to be changed, the frequency will be less than a more traditional car.
• Keep an eye on your battery charge level (like you do with your fuel gauge) via your digital display. Make sure in cold weather you give your vehicle time to warm up as cold weather can affect its ability to charge. Fortunately, Hybrid car batteries come with a very long warranty so any problems should be covered.
• Check your brakes at each service. The electric regenerative braking does a lot of the work to reduce the strain on the front brakes, decreasing the natural wear and tear on these components. But the rear brakes receive the same wear as normal cars and will need changing more often than the front.
• Heed your ‘Warning Lights’ as they can indicate low tyre pressure, low coolant, low fuel or battery charge. Vehicle computers can often need updates as well as diagnosis and repair.

As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is the best cure’ – this definitely applies to car repairs. Regular servicing means that issues can be diagnosed early by our expert mechanics and often can be fixed same day, reducing your downtime and helping you avoid expensive repair costs.

Following are a list of some of the components we check and replace as required with every Hybrid car service:

• Engine oil change and filter replacement.
• Oil system filtering and cleaning to make sure it is free from blockages and giving correct lubrication at all times.
• Multi-point inspections for leaks, damages, fluid levels and belt conditions.
• Air filter and cabin filter inspection to ensure your vehicle’s airflow is always clean and fresh.
• Auxiliary battery testing to identify issues before they arise.
• Check condition of long life engine coolant (prevents corrosion and stops freezing and overheating).
• Pressure test engine cooling system.
• Spark plug and ignition coil inspection for maximum efficiency.
• Inspect Hybrid transaxle fluid to extend transaxle life and prevent breakdowns.
• Performance test vehicle braking system using our SafeTstop equipment.
• Test brake fluid condition in order to keep the brake pedal firm and ensure maximum efficiency.
• Inspect brakes and ensure calliper lubrication, making sure your brakes are operating correctly and there is less chance of failure.
• Test hand brake performance to ensure your vehicle is as safe as possible.
• Check wheel alignment to help maintain even tyre wear.
• Tyre rotation to improve tyre wear. Provide tyre condition report to make sure your vehicle is safe.
• Check air conditioning operation for performance and oil level to assist protection of compressor and avoid costly air conditioning system repairs.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we are automotive service and repair experts, which includes all types of cars, whether they be hybrid, petrol or diesel vehicles. If you have any questions about hybrid maintenance prior to purchasing a new or pre owned car, call us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have!

And don’t forget, we are authorised to service all new cars which won’t void your statutory warranty.

Book your Hybrid service today!