ShareThisMore drivers are switching to hybrid vehicles to get better fuel efficiency but, like all other cars, they require regular maintenance and repairs. You can take them to a regular mechanic for routine work, but hybrid-certified mechanics are essential for more extensive work, especially related to the high-voltage electrical system."Even in our dealership, only certified mechanics can work on these cars," says Joe Schlueter, service director for Toyota of Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla. "From time to time, we have safety classes to bring them up to speed. If you're not certified, not only can it hurt you, it can kill you."Schlueter says work on hybrids at the dealership has been minimal. "We do get some cars that have issues, but mostly they're repairs from accidents," he says. Of the hybrid-related repairs, battery replacement is likely the most costly, he says. If your car is not covered under warranty, "you can spend $2,700 to $3,000 on the part alone."Angie's List (www.angieslist.com), which provides local service company ratings to its members, turned to its highest-rated auto repair specialists for advice on how to keep the hybrids running smoothly. Here are their tips for hybrid auto repair:- Find a technician who specializes in hybrid repair before you need one. Doing your homework and developing a relationship with a specialist will help you avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. You'll also be first in line for emergency service and cost savings.- Check licensing and certification. Most mechanics are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, but a majority of independent mechanics are not certified in hybrid repair. Hybrid dealership technicians, on the other hand, are required to complete the monthly and yearly certification courses and are up to date on the latest innovations.- Never work on the electrical system yourself. Unless you are a hybrid-certified mechanic, leave the electrical and battery repairs to the professionals. They are trained to work with high-voltage components.- Don't be late with tire rotations. The electric engine creates more torque than a gasoline engine and can wear out tires faster.- Charge that battery. Regularly charge your 12-volt battery if your hybrid has plug-in capability. Hybrids that don't plug in use regenerative braking energy to self-charge.- Keep up with routine maintenance. As with traditional fuel vehicles, staying current on your regular maintenance will extend the life and preserve the resale of the car.- Warranty work. Most hybrid warranties cover eight to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Determine if your warranty requires you to use a specific repair center. If you use another source, keep all receipts in case your warranty coverage is questioned.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
Tips for hybrid vehicle repair
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
Plug-In Hybrid
I fear the plug-in comment was made by someone with little to no experience with plug-ins. While there are about 100 plug in conversions around the country, there are none commercially available (unless you are looking to buy a school bus).
The advice to charge your 12 volt battery is silly as all hybrids have an alternator - even the plug-ins and the 12 volt system is separate from the high voltage traction batteries.
Keyword: maintenance
Most important thing to make regular maintenance for these cars and especially for electrical system. As you said staying current on your regular maintenance will extend the life and preserve the resale of the car. Die besten Internetseiten You're totally right.
Thanks for the tips! I'm
Thanks for the tips! I'm impressed that more than a million members use Angie's List to find high quality service companies and health care professionals in over 500 categories, just found a valid Angie's List coupon code at couponsmarter.com/merchant/angieslist.com that took $25 off my one year membership, amazing!
Tiffany and Co
Favorite Youth Collection ladydaan want to know your puppy lover tiffany? Now you have a good chance. A tiffany & co or earrings to make her feel special how much you care. Now, it has spread to many countries, you can buy beautiful jewelry at these shops. But if you do not like shopping, you can also buy a Tiffany and Co from website. From jewelry is believed that the end-point of true religion clothing, which could cause one of the personalities and characters with the tiffany jewellery. Maybe you are obsessed with jewelry shops, but have you ever thought that if you want to buy Tiffany Co is really suitable for your girlfriend? They do not become more attractive girlfriend? I do not mean that the options are not great, but the point is that does the Tiffany and Co Rings match the shape of the face of his girlfriend and style ghd hair straighteners? Entrance fees according to the following advice with the Tiffany and Co Bracelets. Some tips on choosing and matching jewelry stores are the following. Hope to help! If your girlfriend likes luxury, classic design Diamond will be the best option. If your girlfriend low life, sterling silver or gold can be your best option. To highlight the effect of Tiffany Bracelets, jewelry, make sure they go well with the skin of his girlfriend, age, clothing, etc. Rule of thumb: Tiffany and Tiffany Rings must be uncommon in the shape of your face, but can not be totally opposite at the same time.