Maintenance
Typical maintenance for hybrid cars includes oil and filter changes some time between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil is recommended because it extends life from 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Tires for hybrid service should also be changed every other oil change or every 6,000 miles. Digital tire gauges are also recommended to check the tire pressure on the sticker on the driver's door frame instead of on the tire itself. Tire pressure should be checked about once a month.
Every 15,000 miles, hybrid service should be obtained from your hybrid dealership. The dealership will have information on recalls, bulletins, and other information other service centers probably won't have available. The air filter in the hybrid car should be replaced every six months. It is also a key factor to remember to change the inverter coolant every 30,000 miles.
Plug-In Batteries
Because there are various types of batteries that can be used in your hybrid service, choosing the correct one will help your battery life. In this case, it isn't just the size that matters, but also the type used. Lead-acid batteries provide modest energy at about 2-3 kilowatt hours. This is probably the cheapest battery option available on the market if you're looking to save money. Just remember these batteries often do not last as long as most of the other types. They store less energy, so heavier packs have to be used.
Lithium ion batteries provide a lot of energy, up to 9 kilowatt hours. Electronic devices also use this type of battery because they provide a lot of energy in a small package. These batteries are some of the most expensive on the market. In some instances, the battery pack alone can cost around $10,000. Safety is also a concern with these batteries because they are a relatively new technology.
Nickel metal hybrid batteries provide moderate amounts of energy, around 4-5 kilowatt hours. Vehicles using these batteries for hybrid service combine nickel metal hydride batteries with existing battery packs. There are no safety concerns for this battery, but they do usually store less energy than lithium ion batteries. (See http://www.hybridcars.com/plug-in-hybrids/phev-battery-types.html)
Low-Resistance Tires
When you are preparing for hybrid service on your car, keep in mind that the harder the tire, the less rolling resistance it has. The tire patch will be too small to grip the road properly, which will allow the wheel to skid easier. Most hybrid vehicles use a low rolling resistance tire. Low resistance tires help with mileage; however, some hybrid owners do not like the way they handle on the road. It is a matter of personal preference. Drivers who are looking to get more mileage from their hybrid service should look into using low resistance tires, while those who drive more aggressively should look into a higher resistance tire.
It is possible to minimize resistance while maximizing mpg by making sure you use a low resistance tire. When changing you car tires, increasing or decreasing the resistance even 20% can change your mileage anywhere from 3% to 5%. Many hybrid car owners insist on using the minimum psi of 35, while others maximize it up to 40 psi. Temperature also makes a difference in tire pressure. Every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the tire pressure will change by 1 psi. Colder weather is a critical time to make sure you keep track of your tire pressure to make sure they are not under inflated. (See http://www.hybridcars.com/gas-mileage-factors/low-resistance-tires.html)
Regenerative Breaking
Battery energy is applied to the motor coil windings in hybrid vehicles. These produce a magnetic force on the rotor of the motor to produce torque on the output shaft. The torque is then applied to the wheels through a coupling of gears and shafts. The wheel then turns, causing friction between the tire and the road making the vehicle move. Hybrid cars are a plethora of friction from the wires to the motor.
On hybrid vehicles that have regenerative brakes, energy that would otherwise be lost in conventional cars can be reclaimed through the vehicle inertia. The amount of energy required to move the car is a key factor in regenerative braking. Friction brakes use 100% of the foundation of the vehicle. Regenerative brakes use links back to the motor such as the drive shaft, chains, and gears to transfer the torque from the wheels back to the motor shaft. When getting your hybrid service, keep regenerative braking in mind so you can better care for your tires. (See http://www.hybridcars.com/components/regenerative-braking.html)
Computer Control Systems
Hybrid computer systems are very complex to say the least. Anti-lock brake systems also use such a system in which a brake controller relays communication about wheel rotation and speed to the engine and transmission controllers. The engine then determines how much acceleration or torque the driver is requesting. After that, the torque is sent to the transmission so the correct gear can be selected. When the brake controller communicates that the wheels are still in motion, it can be sent back to the engine to reduce torque and control the wheel. This is known as traction control. This is one of the most basic computer systems in vehicles today, and the system in hybrid vehicles is much more complicated.
The powertrain in a hybrid vehicle is two powertrains, a gas engine powertrain and an electric motor powertrain with the hybrid controller coordinating them. The hybrid controller communicates between multiple layers of communication systems such as the electric motor controller, engine controller, brake system controller, transmission controller, and the battery management system. Each system component adjusts its own status based on information from other components.
The computer system is the most important part of a hybrid vehicle, so make sure this is taken care of and maintained when you are getting your hybrid service. If there are problems with the computer system in a hybrid vehicle, repairs can be very costly. There are many sensors throughout the hybrid vehicle, and each one relies on the other to make sure the car functions properly. Keeping the computer system intact is a mainstay for getting hybrid service. (See http://www.hybridcars.com/components/computer-control-systems.html)
|
