Maintaining a hybrid battery is essential for ensuring the long-term health and performance of your hybrid vehicle. Here are some tips for maintaining your hybrid battery:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide a recommended maintenance schedule for your hybrid battery. Follow this schedule to ensure that your battery is properly maintained and inspected regularly.
- Keep the batter clean – Dirt and debris can accumulate on the battery and interfere with its performance. Clean the battery regularly using a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Hybrid batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid exposing your battery to extreme heat or cold, and park your vehicle in a covered area or garage whenever possible.
- Drive regularly: Driving your vehicle regularly can help maintain the charge on your hybrid battery. If your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, consider using a trickle charger to maintain the battery charge.
- Avoid deep discharge: Deep discharge of the battery can cause damage and reduce its lifespan. Try to avoid letting the battery charge level fall below 20 percent whenever possible.
- Avoid overcharging: Overcharging the battery can also cause damage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging the battery, and avoid leaving the battery connected to the charger for extended periods of time.
- Monitor the battery performance: Pay attention to any warning lights or messages related to the battery, and have the battery inspected by a qualified mechanic if you notice any issues or changes in performance.
Hybrid battery | Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan
A worry for many potential buyers of gasoline-stingy hybrid vehicles is how long the hybrid battery will last. In exchange for lower fuel costs than a comparable gas-only vehicle, the hybrid buyer is taking a risk on an expensive added component: the high-voltage battery pack that stores the hybrid system’s electric energy.
Like any other part of the car, the battery pack won’t last forever, and if it fails, the hybrid vehicle won’t operate. But nearly a quarter century of modern hybrids has shown that the risk of battery failure is very low for at least eight years and up to 100,000 miles.