Environmental awareness has grown over the years. The effects can be seen everywhere, in infrastructure and other products. The shift in interest towards a sustainable future has also changed the transportation industry. Leading car brands have shifted their focus towards producing environmentally friendly vehicles. Some of the vehicles have gained immense popularity with the change of interest. For instance, electric and hybrid cars have become a preferable choice for people looking for an environment-friendly vehicle.
While electric cars are gaining popularity, hybrid vehicles still have their say as they operate on both petrol and electric power. However, hybrid vehicles are prone to damage and can also encounter problems. We will go through the common hybrid car problems and some tips to overcome the issues.
Common Hybrid Car Problems
Toyota Prius holds the privilege of being the first mass-produced hybrid car. Since then, many leading brands have added hybrid vehicles to their lineups. With time, hybrid vehicles have also become more advanced – plug-in hybrid cars being the latest addition.
However, like all other vehicles, hybrid cars can also experience issues. That said, let’s go through some usual hybrid car issues and find out the ways to avoid them.
BATTERY DEGRADATION
Hybrid car batteries tend to be weaker as compared to conventional car batteries. Besides the normal wear and tear, excess usage can also prompt batteries to lose power with time. Drivers may experience the combustion engine kicking in more often along with poor mileage.
It is advised to use the right type of hybrid car battery for your vehicle. Additionally, it is important to charge the batteries regularly and ensure proper maintenance. These can help increase battery life and ensure the vehicle runs smoothly.
BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
Failure in the brake system is also among the common hybrid car problems. The malfunction can be caused by a lack of maintenance, failure of certain components or design flaws in the system. In some cases, this can lead to complete braking power loss.
Timely maintenance is the best solution to avoid this issue. Be sure to take your car to a professional for inspection and get the faulty parts repaired or replaced at the earliest.
COMPLEX ELECTRONICS
Hybrid cars are different from conventional vehicles in many ways. The advanced system in hybrid cars with futuristic tech can bring forth some complexities. Drivers may come across faulty dashboards or power outages in some cases.
To overcome such issues, it is important to keep the vehicle’s software up to date. Updated software can help eliminate any potential issues related to the system. Moreover, in case of any issues, it is better to have a professional check the vehicle.
LIMITED DRIVING RANGE
While there are many benefits of hybrid cars in the UAE and around the world, driving range may be a common issue. You need to keep a track of the charge to avoid any inconvenience on the road.
One effective way to overcome the range issue is to select a hybrid car with a larger fuel tank and battery. Additionally, remove any excess weight from the vehicle to get maximum range on a single charge.
HIGH POWERTRAIN MAINTENANCE COSTS
The dual powertrain in hybrid vehicles offers the comfort of both electric cars and combustion vehicles. However, this also means hybrid car owners have to face issues with both systems. Moreover, it is important to know the difference between hybrid and electric car powertrain.
The maintenance costs of dual powertrains are relatively higher and the engine complexity of hybrid cars adds more to the trouble. Furthermore, driving on only one type of engine may affect the other system and decrease vehicle efficiency.
It is advised to keep a balance between the two systems to avoid any premature wear and tear. Moreover, timely maintenance can help keep hybrid car motors and other components in good condition.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES
A problematic catalytic converter is also among the frequent hybrid car issues. The drivers may experience sluggish performance and reduced acceleration in case of a faulty catalytic converter.
Luckily, a problem with the catalytic converter usually occurs after high mileage in a hybrid vehicle. The check engine light may indicate a faulty converter. It is best to get it repaired or replaced at the earliest to avoid any further deterioration.
DECREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY OVER TIME
Hybrid vehicles are a good option to reduce carbon footprint in cars. However, decreased fuel efficiency over time is still among the common hybrid car problems. Usually, this problem is related to the hybrid car battery and its condition.
To avoid premature wear and tear, hybrid car owners can take a few additional steps. For instance, keeping a check on tyre pressure and avoiding excessive use of accessories that drain the battery can help in this regard. Moreover, timely inspections can also help detect faults in any other car component.
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM
A faulty emission system also remains among the most common hybrid car issues. The problems in a faulty evaporative emission system may occur in the form of failure or leakages.
Replacing the whole system can be costly, therefore it is advised to ensure proper vehicle maintenance.
These are all the most common hybrid car problems. Hybrid vehicles are a viable option for people looking for environmentally friendly vehicles. Unlike all other vehicle types, hybrid cars can also encounter problems. Luckily, timely maintenance and regular inspections can help you avoid most of these problems.
Additionally, as hybrid car systems are different from conventional vehicles, it is best to choose a qualified mechanic for servicing. Check out these 2023 hybrid cars and see what these modern vehicles have in store for the customers. Additionally, go through these hybrid car FAQs to get answers to all related queries.
Moreover, you can also add a pre-owned version of the environment-friendly hybrid car to your car collection. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of hybrid cars listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about hybrid cars and more.
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