Despite what some may say, hybrid vehicles are designed to save in many ways. Not only do hybrids have a lesser impact on the environment, owners of hybrids are benefiting from reduced gasoline expenditures and lower maintenance costs.  The key to longevity with your hybrid vehicle is in keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule.  In this blog article, I’ll talk about 3 simple tips for your hybrid vehicle maintenance.

1. Regular fluid and filter changes are necessary – In addition to its battery pack, your hybrid vehicle has a regular engine. That means it contains components that need to be lubricated with oils and fluids (motor oil, transmission, coolant, etc.). Here’s the advantage of a hybrid – you don’t have to perform hybrid vehicle maintenance as frequently as you would a typical car engine.  But what is the proper maintenance schedule for your hybrid? You can check the owner’s manual. Also, feel free to ask us.  At Country Road Automotive, hybrid vehicle maintnenace couldn’t be any simpler. We have a team of certified hybrid specialists who can assist you when it comes to caring for your Toyota Prius or other hybrid vehicle.

2. Monitor the battery – The battery pack is a very important component in your hybrid vehicle. It’s also quite expensive to replace.  That’s why it’s important to have the battery checked regularly as part of your hybrid vehicle maintenance program. We can let you know the optimal schedule for having your battery checked. We also have technicians in our Lincoln Park, NJ, auto repair shop who are trained in hybrid battery maintenance and repairs. Click here to see a recent post that shows photos of the battery pack in a hybrid vehicle.

3. Check tires, brakes, steering and suspension systems on a regular basis – Here’s another area where your hybrid vehicle maintenance is just like that of a regular vehicle. Each of these systems undergoes wear and tear. You can quickly and easily check your tires for proper air pressure inflation, evidence of uneven wear and tread depth while your vehicle is in your driveway or garage. If you have quick visual access of your brakes, you can also check to see if you need new brake pads. You’ll want to inspect the disc to make sure it looks uniform and shiny (no deep grooves or rough spots) and the pads to make certain they are wearing evenly and have more than 1/8” of pad left. Of course, you can always bring your vehicle to us for a free brake inspection. We’ll also gladly check the steering and suspension systems for you. Click here to receive some valuable money-saving coupons for car and hybrid vehicle maintenance now.

Remember, the best way to keep any vehicle on the road longer is to make a commitment to regular maintenance. More importantly, when it comes to hybrid vehicle maintenance, it’s important to work with automotive technicians who are specially-trained, like those at Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Not only do we know how to care for and fix your hybrid vehicle, we can give you expert advice on proper hybrid vehicle maintenance schedules. Schedule an appointment for your hybrid vehicle today.