Phoenix Hybrid And Electric Repair
With today’s high gas prices and so much emphasis on green living our customers are often asking if they get a hybrid or electric vehicle do they still need maintenance. And if so do they need to find a specific auto repair shop for those specialty vehicles. Sorry to say but yes, all vehicles electric and hybrid still need to be maintained. With that being said hybrids and electrics do have some maintenance advantages. These are critical tasks that should always be addressed on all vehicles. Some of the more common services can be suspension, brakes, tires and all those fancy buttons and gadgets on todays new vehicles. Not to mention the hybrids still have complete combustion engine. And to the second question, At Perez Auto Repair of Phoenix we love all types of vehicles and our Certified ASE technicians are qualified to work on combustion, hybrid and electric. Additionally, our technicians are required to maintain continued education to keep them up-to-date with all these new green vehicles.
While all vehicles do need maintenance you’ll be happy to know hybrids and electric vehicles require very little specific maintenance. Additionally, hybrid systems can reduce normal wear and tear on some conventional parts of the vehicle. When the electric motor takes over, the gas engine shuts down. Resulting in having far fewer miles than what’s showing on the odometer. Some manufacturer even suggest going long between oil changes. Perez Auto Repair always recommends following your vehicle’s owner’s manual for factory recommendations regarding any service.
Brakes are a component that needs to be maintained on all vehicle’s but hybrids at longer intervals. Hybrid vehicles use a regenerative braking system that re-directs the friction involved in stopping to replenish the batteries. That energy would otherwise be heat on your brakes and pads. So brake jobs will be fewer and farther between. But don’t get to excited there are still a lot of standard auto parts that still need regular service, as you will still need windshield wipers, tires, light bulbs, cabin air filters and more. Not to mention the additional battery weight can speed up the wear on your tires.
Some hybrid-specific parts are covered by a warranty of at least eight years and 100,000 miles. Some states, including California, have mandated hybrid and electric warranties of ten years and 150,000 miles, which includes the battery pack. As more hybrids have taken to the road, these packs have become less expensive. And there are stories of many hybrids still on the road with their original battery packs at 200,000 miles or more.
Full Electric vehicles eliminate oil and filter changes, tune-ups, exhaust system maintenance, emissions tests, timing belt replacements by not having a combustion engine. Yes, there is an electric motor, but those motors has fewer moving parts and require little in the way of maintenance. And, like the hybrids we mentioned previously, electrics use regenerative braking, which converts the friction into energy to replenish the battery instead of letting it become heat on your brakes and brake pads. Similar to the hybrid cars, electrics will require fewer, less frequent brake jobs which is always a plus.
If you’re considering getting a hybrid one thing to factor in is the cost difference low enough to be offset by the savings in gasoline and maintenance? For electrics, you need to consider range. Can the car get you through a typical day without needing a recharge? Is there a charging station at work? Are you willing to pay to have one installed at home if that’s an option? And lastly there’s always that great feeling you’ll have knowing you are doing your part to help save the world.
Regardless of your decision Perez Auto Repair will always be here to help maintain, service or repair any type of vehicle. If you would like more information about hybrid or electric vehicles feel free to contact Perez Auto Repair online via phone 602-269-3576 or stop into our facility located at 429 S. 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Always keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and those around you!