Depending on your climate, you could see winter until late March. Many areas of the east coast are lucky enough to have a mild winter, but there’s always a cold snap that throws us for a loop. As that cold weather creeps in, there are many factors to consider when it comes to maintaining your hybrid vehicle.
To avoid any inconvenient situations or possible damage to your car, here are 5 hybrid maintenance tips for winter:
Check Your Battery’s Health
Staying on top of your hybrid’s battery throughout the year should be common practice. It will also ensure your vehicle performs properly when winter shows up. Even if you are not noticing signs of decreased battery life, it’s a good idea to have the battery checked.
Any imbalances in your hybrid battery can be detected through a state of health check. The Hybrid Geek provides these free of charge. Be sure to follow the link to schedule yours if you’re experiencing any issues with hybrid performance or if you haven’t had it done in a while.
Park Inside
If you have a garage, it’s highly recommended that you park your hybrid inside. Hybrid batteries do not mix well in colder temperatures. Driving in a cold car is also uncomfortable and inefficient for your fuel economy.
Parking indoors will help maintain your battery during freezing temperatures and it will make starting your hybrid easier. The less work your battery requires to keep warm, the better.
Regular Maintenance
Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor and a standard combustion engine. This means they still require regular maintenance to ensure their health. Oil changes, properly inflated and balance tires, and all other regular maintenance are essential.
Plug It In
Even if the battery is fully charged, we recommend keeping it plugged in when you’re not driving. Although this may not seem beneficial, it allows the battery to maintain an optimal temperature. Keeping your hybrid plugged in also means less strain when it heats the cabin and itself plus more range throughout the day.
Check Your Brakes
This is a general rule when it comes to vehicles, so there’s no exception for hybrids. It is recommended to have your brakes checked every 20,000 miles. During the winter, road conditions become more dangerous. Having brakes that are beginning to fail put you and your passengers at risk.
Final Thoughts
What else can you do to ensure your hybrid vehicle is ready for winter? Keep your eyes and ears open for any signs the battery and the vehicle are performing differently. Following these quick tips and being aware of any issues that arise will keep you on the road during the cold months.
