Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair: What to Know

How hybrid and electric vehicles differ

Hybrids combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a high-voltage battery. Electric vehicles run on a high-voltage battery and electric motor alone. Most hybrids and all electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which recovers energy when you slow down. Many other systems, such as brakes, suspension, steering, tires, cooling and the 12-volt electrical system, are familiar and need regular care.

Routine care still matters

• Brake inspection, since regenerative braking changes how pads and rotors wear
• Tires, alignment and suspension
• Coolant service, including systems that cool the battery or electronics; follow your owner’s manual
• Oil changes on hybrids, using the oil grade listed in your owner’s manual
• The 12-volt battery, which powers many systems and can still fail

Warning lights

If a battery or hybrid system warning light comes on, have the vehicle inspected. What happens if the high-voltage battery fails depends on the model; some vehicles will run in a limited mode, others will not.

High-voltage safety

High-voltage systems can cause serious injury. Never touch or cut the orange high-voltage cables, and do not open high-voltage battery or inverter housings. If a vehicle has been in a collision or has flood damage, have it inspected before anyone works on it.

Our shop

Call the shop before you book so we can confirm what we can do for your vehicle. Our repairs are backed by a 2-Year / 24,000-Mile Nationwide Warranty.