Alexandria , Fairfax, Chantilly, Merrifield, Mclean Sterling/Cascades & Ashburn AUTO REPAIR

Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles (HEV or EV) have two main things in common, electric motor-generators (MG) and a battery pack. The battery pack, in both cases, is like the fuel tank in a conventional vehicle, storing energy to power the MG and vehicle electrical systems. Unlike the fuel tank in a conventional or hybrid vehicle, however, the battery pack can also be recharged by the car itself, via the MGs. At their most basic level, electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle battery packs are a collection of rechargeable cells arranged to hold a specified amount of energy. In this way, they are identical. On the other hand, there are a couple of key differences in chemistry, charging capabilities, and maintenance. Chemistry and Capacity The main difference between hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle battery packs is their chemistry. For example, the 2010 Toyota Prius NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) hybrid battery pack holds just 1.3 kWh (kilowatt-hours). Thi ... read more

Hybrid Batteries, like all batteries, eventually run out of power. It’s never a question of if, but when. It’s just the innate nature of batteries! Most hybrid batteries will perform well for 5-8 years, depending on these factors: Driving habits. The worst thing for a hybrid battery is to let it sit for periods of time. The battery will begin to self-discharge and lose power. Hybrid vehicles need to be driven regularly to maintain optimum battery performance. Temperature. The nickel-metal hydride batteries in hybrid vehicles will not last as long in extreme climates where the temperatures are either normally very high or very low for extended periods. Terrain. Vehicles that are regularly driven over challenging terrain (like mountains) will loose power and fuel efficiency faster than ones that are driven in less demanding places. There are several things you can do to extend the life of your hybrid battery ... read more

Most likely, yes! Under typical conditions, the battery found in Hybrids (NiMH) are expected to last about 5-8 years, though prolonged rest periods or getting overheated by strenuous charging and discharging cycles (such as when driving in mountainous terrain on a regular basis) can shorten that life expectancy. For a typical driver, under optimal conditions an SLA (Sealed lead-Acid) battery can be expected to last about 3-6 years, though even a single deep discharge can ruin it, no matter its age. A Deeper Look Hybrids Usually Use Two Types of Batteries Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have two batteries. Like a normal car, they have a low-voltage battery that powers systems such as the stereo, computers, and navigation system. They also have a high-voltage battery, called the traction battery, that powers systems like the vehicle's electric motor-generator unit and air conditioning compressor. The traction battery is the expensive one ... read more

Make sure your hybrid won't let you down by following these important tips to keep it performing in top-notch condition. 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 them the okay before you drive out of the shop. Always Take Your Vehicle to a Hybrid Expert It's really important ... read more

Kick the tires: Have your tires rotated and inspected. The last thing you need in cold, wet weather is to be driving on bald tires or tires with low air pressure. You’ll need all the traction that is possible and both of these issues will significantly impair your tire’s response.  Double check the tire pressure against the manufacturer's specifications found on the driver’s door jam or post when the tires are nice and cold and add air if needed.  Or you can stop by Craftsman Auto Care anytime and we will be happy to check your pressure and make any adjustments for you! Bonus tip:  Pop your hood and clear out all those leaves and any debris that might have accumulated under your hood in the cowl (the section where the windshield and the hood meet).  This  debris can clog your body water drains and may have a negative affect on air inducted into the cabin and the cabin air filter. Chang ... read more