Hybrid vehicles are so named because they combine combustion and electric power, offering you the best of both worlds. The combination gives you the benefit of less maintenance, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions. To keep your environmentally friendly Acura in top condition, follow the valuable Acura hybrid maintenance tips below from your Acura dealer.
Hybrid Maintenance Tips for Your Eco-Friendly Ride From Your Acura Dealer
Drive Your Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles typically incorporate two types of batteries: a high-voltage battery pack and a conventional car battery. The high-voltage battery pack collects and stores energy from the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking system, while the car battery supplies power to the electrical components. Drive your hybrid regularly to maintain a proper charge.
Maintain Your Hybrid and Car Batteries
Maintaining the hybrid and car batteries will prolong their lifespan and performance, ensuring your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Refer to your owner’s manual for the service schedule and follow the recommended intervals. Our certified Acura technicians provide comprehensive battery inspections, testing, and replacement services for both your batteries.
Change the Oil at the Recommended Intervals
Even though hybrid vehicles generally use less oil than traditional gas-powered vehicles, following the manufacturer’s recommendations will keep your engine well-lubricated and protected. Changing the oil filter is also essential to prevent harmful contaminants from entering the engine.
Regularly Check the Coolant
Hybrids require specific fluids, such as inverter coolant, which need regular checks and replacements. The inverter converts the high-voltage power from the battery pack into the power necessary to operate the electric motor and regulate the energy flow during regenerative braking. The coolant is responsible for dissipating the heat generated by the inverter and maintaining a safe temperature.
Keep the Air Filters Clean
Your hybrid has an engine air filter, and some hybrids also have an air-cooled battery pack with a fan filter. The engine air filter prevents contaminants from reaching your engine. A dirty engine air filter can strain the engine, increasing your hybrid’s fuel consumption.
The hybrid battery fan filter cools the battery and keeps dirt out of the fan and away from the battery. Regularly cleaning and replacing these filters will optimize performance and extend the life of your engine and hybrid battery.
Schedule Regular Brake Inspections
The regenerative braking system converts your hybrid’s forward motion into electricity, slowing and stopping your car while recharging the hybrid battery. Although this system generally has a longer brake life, it requires specialized care. Regular brake inspections by your Acura technician are an important maintenance task to ensure your safety on the road.
Inspect and Rotate Your Tires
Since hybrids often have specific tire requirements, it’s best to speak to us and check your owner’s manual for recommendations on tires, pressure, and replacements. Regularly inspecting your tires, keeping the pressure at the correct levels, and rotating them during every oil change will prolong their lifespan.
Keep your hybrid performing optimally by following the tips above and relying on certified Acura technicians to maintain your vehicle. Stop at Fox Acura of El Paso, TX, today for more details on your hybrid’s maintenance requirements, and we’ll answer all your questions.
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