Long Beach, Downtown Hybrid Repair
With so much talk about going green and the price of gas we often get asked if they buy a hybrid or electric vehicle will they still need to have it serviced. And if so, do they need to find a specific auto shop for those types of 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 pretty handy maintenance advantages. These are critical tasks that should always be addressed on all vehicles. Some of the more common services can be brakes, suspension, tires along with all those fancy extras on todays new vehicles. Not to mention the hybrids still have complete combustion engine. And to the second question, At Orozco’s Auto Service of Long Beach, Downtown 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 for anything new that comes along as part of their ASE certification.
While all vehicles do need maintenance you be happy to know hybrids and electric vehicles don’t require any type of special 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. We always recommend following your auto’s manual for factory recommendations for any service.
While brakes are one of you’re vehicle’s parts that always needs to be maintained on hybrids they need it at longer intervals. Hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking system that re-directs friction involved in stopping to replenish the batteries. That energy would otherwise be heat on your brakes and pads. So brake jobs are fewer and farther between. As previously mentioned there are still plenty of other standard vehicle elements that will still need to be maintained like windshield wipers, light bulbs, and cabin air filters. Not to mentioned all that additional battery weight can speed the wear on your tires.
Hybrid-specific parts are generally covered by factory warranties of at least eight years and 100,000 miles. Some states, including California, have mandated hybrid warranties of ten years and 150,000 miles, which includes the battery packs. As more hybrids are on the roads, the specialty lithium batteries have become less expensive. And there are stories of many hybrids still on the road with their original battery packs at 200,000 miles and more.
With electric vehicles there are no gasoline engines at all, electric vehicles eliminate oil and filter changes, tune-ups, exhaust system maintenance, emissions tests, timing belt replacements and overall engine repairs. Yes, there is an electric motor, but that motor has less moving parts and requires little in the way of maintenance. And, like the hybrids we mentioned above, 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.
If you’re considering a hybrid or electric one thing to factor will the cost savings on maintenance and fuel offset the additional costs of the high tech vehicles? 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 our world.
Regardless of your decision Orozco’s Auto Service of Long Beach, Downtown will be here to help maintain, service or repair any vehicle you choose. If you would like more information about hybrid or electric vehicles feel free to call Long Beach, Downtown today at 562-426-6322. Keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and those around you!
Orozco’s Auto Service Long Beach – Los Angeles County CA
3033 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA USA
Call Today: 562-426-6322 – Auto/Fleet/Diesel Service Repair
Orozco’s Auto Service has five convenient locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!
