How to Fix a Car

Purchasing a hybrid car is seemingly a great idea. They are becoming increasingly popular as people realize how great they are for the economy. Back in 2012, 4,500,000 hybrid cars were sold around the world and that number has only grown since then. Vehicles like the Honda Insight and more are great little get around vehicles. However, if you bought one when they first came out, you may be due for a little maintenance. Even hybrid batteries don’t last forever. The Honda Accord Hybrid battery life expectancy is about 10 years under normal usage but is under warranty for at least eight years or 80,000 miles. Most hybrid car batteries do come with warranty for about that long, no matter the type of car; Toyota, Honda, Ford, etc. However, mileage isn’t what usually determines when maintenance is needed in a hybrid. For example, take a look at the Honda Insight. Honda Insight mileage does not seem to play much a part because it really depends on how often the electricity is used versus the gas and what kind of conditions it is driven in. Service seems to depends more on time frame than the actual Honda Insight mileage.
Should I go to a Dealer or Independent? This is always the question when your car needs to be serviced. Going to your dealer will ensure that your car is being serviced by the one who is most familiar with your car. He’ll know about all the regular problems and situations that hybrids have at certain times during the life of the car and be able to save you time and money when it comes to warranties. Not all independent shops will even work on a hybrid vehicle but more and more are becoming familiar with them. However, letting them use your car as a guinea pig for gaining experience may not be the best idea. Unless you have a good, trusting relationship with your mechanic, it is highly recommended to take you car to the dealer when you need servicing whether your Honda Insight mileage is high or low.
Are Hybrid Repairs More Expensive? Not necessarily. That’s what of the most attractive features of the hybrid vehicles. Great warranties are offered but even after the warranty runs out, most mechanics don’t charge more for servicing or repairing a hybrid compared to a standard car. They used to be, when hybrids were less known and more unique but now, as information and knowledge increases, they tend to run about the same cost. Hybrids generally need less servicing and repairing than their non hybrid equivalent so from that stand point, they are actually cheaper.
Do Hybrids Break Down? They seem to be pretty durable and strong because they are still being made from technology that already exists. Remember, mileage doesn’t always play a part. Honda Insight mileage can go very high before service is even needed, much less the chance of breaking down. However, the main thing that can cause a hybrid to ‘break down’ is needing battery replacement. Batteries can tend to run pretty pricey so you will want to start saving up for that before your car stops running because of a dead battery.
While the initial cost of a hybrid may be quite a bit higher than a standard car, the amount that you won’t spend in gas, servicing and maintenance can really cause it to eventually even out. There are even one time income tax credits available for when you buy a hybrid, although it’s unsure how long these will be around for. Hybrids tend to depreciate much slower than regular cars as well and you should keep in mind that insurance will also be lower because of the general safety of the car and the type of person that normally purchases one.
Even if the cost is more, you have to think about the surrounding factors. You’ll be putting out so much less pollution and depending less on oil. Aren’t those things worth so much more than money can buy? Saving our planet should be a huge consideration when thinking about investing in hybrid vehicles.