Maintenance is maintenance when it comes to your car, so even if you’re driving a hybrid vehicle, it’s important to understand that hybrid oil changes need to happen just as regularly as with traditional cars. You may not need to change your oil as often, because slower speeds and stop-and-go driving mean the engine isn’t running as much as as it would in a regular vehicle, but you still need to do it consistently.
Hybrid Oil Changes
Think of it this way: your hybrid’s gasoline engine requires exactly the same maintenance that it would if it were the only power source for your car. So, you’re not off the hook. You need to change your oil. Depending on your particular vehicle and the way you drive it, you should look at refreshing your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual or talk to your technician about what’s ideal for your particular car.
What You Need to Know
Although an oil change is an oil change, service technicians actually need to approach the task differently when they’re working on a hybrid. First of all, hybrids operate by shutting down and restarting the engine often. That’s why they’re more efficient. But technicians actually need to take precautions to prevent the engine from starting during the oil change process to avoid potential hazards.
Starting the engine is the biggest cause of its wear and tear, so it’s important to always use premium-level engine oils. Pay attention to the weight required - some recent models require 0W-20 or 5W-20 motor oil - because you don’t want to damage the top end of the motor. Any reputable dealership or service center knows this and will make sure your vehicle gets the right oil.
Expert Hybrid Oil Changes
Let the expert service team at Chicago Northside Toyota handle all your hybrid oil changes. We’re experienced in the unique requirements of the job, and our dealership will ensure that everything is done properly. Chicago Northside Toyota represents the utmost in quality, from our substantial inventory, highly-trained staff, financing team, to of course, our service professionals. Contact us today for more information, or set up your next oil change online!
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