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Lately, there's been a lot of talk surrounding hybrid cars and electric cars as alternatives to traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. These discussions might have you wondering if it's time to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle—and it's a good question to consider. In 2023, select new electric and hybrid cars qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit in the United States.

No matter what you choose, you will somewhere nearby to take your vehicle for routine maintenance and repairs. This is especially true if you drive a pre-owned EV or hybrid car with no warranty or maintenance plan.

At Lancaster Auto & Tire, we specialize in hybrid car service in Orlando, Florida. Our technicians and mechanics work with Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), as well as other hybrid vehicle designations, such as Mild Hybrids. We offer domestic and foreign car repair. You can click here to see the vehicle makes we service.

But what should you expect over the years in terms of hybrid repair and maintenance?

The answer will depend on your hybrid's make, model, and year, as well as the wear-and-tear it encounters.

That said, there are some trends that may provide insight into this question.

What Kind of Maintenance Does a Hybrid Car Need vs an ICE Vehicle?

No vehicle escapes recommendations for routine maintenance. That said, hybrids have a reputation for requiring less frequent maintenance intervals than ICE vehicles.

Hybrid car maintenance may include changing the oil and filters, changing other fluids as recommended, and replacing spark plugs. One item to be mindful about is accessories with hybrid vehicles. If an aftermarket accessory uses power, it can drain the battery faster. Read the owner's manual and make sure your vehicle can handle any modifications or additions you would like to add. At Lancaster Auto & Tire, we can assist with hybrid battery repair and replacement. You may be able to replace the failed battery cells instead of the entire battery in the event you run into an issue.

No matter what you drive, we recommend following the guidelines in your owner's manual. This is a smart way to get the longest life from your vehicle and maintain its reliability and future resale value.

Hybrid Car Repairs

Hybrid vehicles also have a reputation for reliability, but this doesn't mean you won't need repairs throughout the life of the vehicle. For example, you may need a hybrid exhaust repair, a diagnostic for why your hybrid car won't start, a new battery or battery repair, brake repair, or air conditioning and heating repair. Some hybrid owners report getting 100k-200k+ from their vehicles with little to no issues, so when a repair cost does arise, it's still economical in the long run—even if it's a more expensive repair at the time.

Today, there are many hybrid cars on the market. We encourage you to research the makes and models of interest to you to find the right fit for your needs.

If you drive a hybrid and need a hybrid repair shop in Orlando, Florida, contact Lancaster Auto & Tire. We can assist with a variety of hybrid car repair and maintenance services for most makes, models, and types of hybrid vehicles.