Hybrid Vehicle Upkeep

Q: What is the upkeep and maintenance on a hybrid car?

A: The upkeep and maintenance on a hybrid vehicle is pretty much the same as on a conventional vehicle. Hybrids need ordinary preventative maintenance like changing oil, replacing filters, adding fluids, and rotating tires just like regular vehicles. Hybrid specific parts, such as the NiMH battery packs and high-voltage electric motors have been designed to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Hybrids have a standard 12V battery that supplies power for everything except the high-voltage electric motors. The 12V battery can be jump-started like a regular car, but if the high-voltage battery ever dies the hybrid would need to be towed to a dealer for service. To replace a battery pack could cost anywhere from $2,000 – $3,000.