Hybrid vehicles. Congratulations, you’ve joined the #hybridcar group. In fact, you may have had your hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for quite a while. To ensure you’re running right, find a shop with the right skills and training to service your vehicle. Over the years, a notable percentage of vehicles we’ve taken care of have been hybrid. Toyota Prius has been the most common.

HEVs gained a real base in 2000 and have grown from there. Electric power balanced with a gas engine, these unique service vehicles require different types of maintenance. Hybrids need regular maintenance for better performance and fuel economy. For example, the heart: the hybrid battery pack. To keep it working at its peak, it is important to monitor its charge and health regularly. It should be checked regularly for signs of damage or wear, like corrosion or bulging. If you need a replacement the dealer will only give you one option – a new battery pack with a one-year warranty. At AE Auto Plus we can give you a one-year warranty on a rebuilt battery pack at a fraction of the cost.

City traffic may be where an HEV shines as the electric motor takes the lead, but on the open road it will be even more efficient than a traditional engine. Most notable is that they need less attention! AE Auto Plus technicians are trained in diagnosing and keeping that engine in peak condition. We’d love to advise you with a plan that makes sense for you and your driving routine.

HEV maintenance checklist:

• Battery maintenance checks (fluid levels, filler openings, connections, cycle count, filter)
• Tires (rotation and wear, including alignment)
• Brakes (fluids and wear)
• Coolant system (checks and flushes)
• Suspension system
• Inverter coolant services
• Electric motor service
• Engine air filter
• Air conditioning
• Windshield wipers (condition and fluid)
• Spark plugs
• Oil change
• Hoses, belts, and our professional ‘point’ inspection
• Call AE Auto Plus for maintenance checks or issues

Things to smile about:

• Brake life is usually longer than traditional vehicles
• Fuel consumption, especially with local driving, is much, much less
• Regularly charging the battery as per the owner’s manual will help save gas as the electricity is used optimally

If a fossil fuel buster electric vehicle (EV) is part of your life, we’ve got you covered. You can save on all those oil changes and tune-ups that are a part of traditional vehicle maintenance, but note that the EV motor and its parts are a different breed and they’re not maintenance-free. Talk to us about your EV and driving habits. We are happy to chat and advise you of a personalized recommended maintenance plan.

Maintenance inspections should be done by an EV-trained technician. Tires, brakes, steering, suspension, hoses, lights, and a host of other components should be checked for vehicle safety and longevity. High tire wear is a known issue is due to EVs typically being heavier with faster acceleration than internal combustion systems. That may be addressed with tires that have more robust construction and better compounds. All of these distinctive challenges are where AE Auto Plus comes in. Electricity-powered and unique from the ground to the motor – we have the skills to diagnose. Power sources, hazards, voltage systems and tire wear are part of life for EV owners. That’s part of our training and expertise too. Give us a call if you need an EV technician. We can answer your fix-it and maintenance questions and are happy to advise the best plan to fit your style. We will also watch manufacturer policies and ensure you’re on schedule. Your warranty is safe with us. So is your EV.

EV maintenance checklist:

• Battery maintenance checks (fluid levels, filler openings, connections, cycle count, filter)
• Tires (rotation and wear, including alignment)
• Brakes (fluids and wear – may have a longer brake life than traditional vehicles!)
• Coolant system (checks and flushes)
• Cabin air filter
• Air conditioning
• Windshield wipers (condition and fluid)
• Software (over-the-air updates may be auto-enabled)
• Body (rust, road salt damage)
• Charging station maintenance (minimal, but still some upkeep)
• Call AE Auto Plus for maintenance checks or issues

Things you don’t need to worry about… so you can reflect on anxiety reduction in your EV world:

• Fuel
• Oil
• Muffler
• Spark plugs
• Transmission fluid
• Radiator fluid