What’s Actually Involved in Hybrid and EV Servicing?

More and more folks in Hamilton and the outlying towns – Morrinsville, Cambridge, even out Kihikihi way – are getting behind the wheel of hybrids and electrics. Makes sense, right? Cheaper on fuel, less fuss at the pump, and you feel a bit better about those motorway runs straight up Te Rapa Rd. Only thing is, hybrid and electric car servicing isn’t quite the same as what we’d do for an old petrol Corolla or that trusty Mazda Demio.

Hybrids have got these big high-voltage batteries. They’re running alongside the usual engine, so there’s a different mix of wiring and parts under the bonnet. Things like the cooling system for the battery, special fluids, hybrid transmissions… even the brakes regenerate power! Whether you’re rocking a Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit Hybrid, an older Prius, or something different like a Hyundai Ioniq or a European Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, you need a mechanic who actually knows their way around this tech. Otherwise, it’s easy to miss things that could cost you down the track.

Want to know how a hybrid engine actually works? Here’s a good read to check out.

When Should You Get Your Hybrid or EV Checked?

Honestly, with the way folks drive around Hamilton’s bumpy roads – between the railway crossings, potholes on Peachgrove Rd, and all the stop-go on Grey Street – your hybrid’s working harder than you’d think. The batteries and electronics get a hiding in hot summers like we had last year, then winter damp can mess with cooling fans and connectors. We always reckon you should get your hybrid car service at least once a year, or every 10,000k – whichever comes first. See if you can pair it with your next WOF. Saves you a trip.

One of our techs reckons the best thing you can do yourself is keep an eye on your oil level. Even electrics and hybrids running mostly on batteries still need their engines sorted. If the oil’s dark or gritty, time for a change. And for goodness’ sake, don’t wait until there’s a warning light on the dash. A hybrid repair costs way less if you catch it early!

Hybrid & Electric Car Services We Sort Here at Grimmer Motors

We see all sorts come through our workshop, everything from Nissan Leafs out from Tamahere to weird European jobs like an Audi A3 e-tron. Here’s what we can do:

  • Hybrid engine oil change and filter swaps
  • Hybrid transmission oil flushes and filter servicing
  • High voltage battery testing and repairs (and yes, we can turn off that annoying Hybrid Triangle warning light too)
  • Sorting out rough running or surging from the hybrid engine
  • Checking the HV battery health and evenness with our fancy diagnostic tools
  • Cleaning out blocked HV battery cooling vents and checking the fan’s not packed up
  • Bleeding the regenerative brake system properly, so your brakes feel right
  • Replacing hybrid inverter coolant – super important, especially during muggy Hamilton summers

Lot of people tell us it’s hard to find a workshop that’ll even touch a hybrid, let alone do it right. That’s what we’re here for – proper, qualified hybrid servicing that gets you back on the road fast and won’t muck you around.

What Kinds of Hybrids Do We Work On?

We look after all sorts: Toyota Prius, Camry hybrids, Lexus RX450h, Honda Insight, Ford Escape Hybrid, even the odd Subaru XV Hybrid. Basically, if it’s a hybrid or a full electric, we’ve probably seen it – and we’re happy to take a look.

Thinking it’s time for a service or got something weird going on under the hood? Pop in, give us a bell, or just Book Now