Posted on 4/25/2017
Fall is back to school and back to work time. That means returning to a crazy schedule of activities and commitments for you and your family. Make sure your hybrid won't let you down by following these important tips to keep it performing in top-notch condition. 1. Change Your Oil and Filters & Have Your Brake Pads Checked Like regular gas engines, hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles need regular oil and filter changes. However, they don't need them as often because the electric components take some of the load off the engine. Our recommendation is to change your oil between 5,000 and 10,000 miles and your air filter every 40,000 miles. It's also a good idea to have your brake pads checked at the same time. The good news is that the regenerative braking properties of your car mean that your brake pads need to be replaced less frequently than those on a standard gas-powered car, but you want to be safe on the road, so make sure your technician gives ... read more
Posted on 4/25/2017
We get this call all the time. Everyone is in a hurry and everyone these days, including myself, we just want to get the information, make the best decision, get it done and move on with their lives. I need brakes on my car, how much will it cost, asked the caller. Hmmm…Well that depends….. All cars are different and all drivers drive their cars differently. Need and cost can vary greatly depending our customers’ actual needs and what their expectations are. There is no way any auto repair facility can give a proper estimate over the telephone for brakes, exhaust, diagnostic repairs, A/C repairs or electrical repairs, it’s impossible to know the condition of the vehicle or what it needs without looking at the vehicle. There are too many variables involved. The price between an Audi S4 or BMW 335i or a Honda Civic or Dodge Caravan also vary greatly. There are some services as auto repair experts we can quote over the phone with great accuracy, i.e., Oil Chang ... read more
Posted on 4/25/2017
Don’t let your hybrid vehicle sit for long periods. This will cause the battery to degrade faster. It’s scientific fact that your battery is going to loose its power and capacity. Document its health so you know when it does. The good news is that current battery conditioning equipment provides reports with charts that display battery health. (This technology is only available at The Hybrid Shop locations.) Hybrids are not as fuel-efficient on steady, long trips. They perform better in stop-and-go traffic which helps cycle the battery more often to keep it charged. The AC system of a hybrid needs service by knowledgeable technicians. Since many vehicle systems use a HV (high voltage) compressor and the AC system in some cases cools the HV battery, it's important that service is done by qualified technicians. Be cognizant of the weather! Extreme temperature fluctuations can have a negative impact and cause faster degradation of th ... read more