The thing about batteries is that they don’t last forever. Even though the Energizer Bunny® can keep going and going, eventually, the juice comes to an end. The same can be said for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). Hybrid cars run on battery, which is why they are so energy efficient; a driver who invests in a hybrid vehicle saves a lot of money by cutting back fuel costs. However, did you know that within six to ten years of owning a hybrid vehicle, you may need to replace the battery or have it repaired? And hybrid batteries are not cheap, ranging around $4,000.
But don’t be discouraged! There are a variety of tactics that can be used to maintain and upkeep the battery of a hybrid vehicle. Taking good care of the battery will elongate its lifespan, as well as save you thousands of dollars. We at Savage Automotive specialize in battery conditioning services. Using our expertise, we have compiled a list of tips that you can follow to keep your battery up to par and your hybrid running smooth.
Drive Your Hybrid Often: Most battery issues occur when it is not being used very much. Drive your HEV around as often as possible to keep your battery healthy.
Get General Checkups: After a few years, your hybrid battery may become out of balance and need to be conditioned. Bringing your hybrid to the shop for a routine checkup will let you know the status of your battery and what can be done to rebalance it.
Turn on Mountain Mode: During times when your HEV needs to travel uphill, you can switch to Mountain Mode, which will turn on the gas engine and save battery juice. This keeps the battery from being deeply discharged, providing your car with more power.
Take it Slow: When you coast your hybrid, it creates kinetic energy that charges your battery. This kinetic charge also extends the life of your battery. Rather than coming to a hard stop when driving, coast your car instead.
Maintain the Temperature: Weather conditions need to be taken into consideration when it comes to extending the life of your HEV battery. Aside from the thermal management system, extreme weather conditions can take a toll on the battery. When it is hot out, park in the shade, and in the winter, try to park in a garage.
If you are in need of a battery diagnostic or battery conditioning service, bring your hybrid on down to Savage Automotive. Unlike other hybrid companies, we use a testing approach to determine the condition of your battery. Visit our website for more information about our high-quality battery conditioning service.
