Maintenance Essentials for Honda Hybrid Vehicles

Maintaining a hybrid vehicle like the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid requires a blend of traditional car care practices and hybrid-specific tasks. Many aspects of Honda hybrid maintenance are best carried out by a Honda dealer, though it always helps if the owner monitors the vehicle’s condition, performance, and service schedule.

Honda Hybrid Maintenance Essentials

Regular Oil and Filter Changes

Regular hybrid vehicles still have an internal combustion engine (ICE), alongside one or more electric motors. Thus, regular oil and filter changes are a hybrid staple and help to keep the ICE in peak condition. Oil change frequencies vary between vehicles, but every 7,500 to 10,000 miles is typical. In vehicles such as the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, a Maintenance Minder message appears onscreen when the engine oil life is less than 15%.

Battery Maintenance

A hybrid is not a hybrid without its battery, so this is a critical component that requires attention. Honda vehicles are renowned for reliability, and hybrid models have long-lasting batteries, but regular checks and specialized maintenance are still important. In older hybrids, batteries are sometimes replaced or refurbished.

Brake Maintenance

Longer brake life is a feature of hybrid cars, with regenerative braking offloading some of the work from the mechanical brakes. Nonetheless, it’s still important that traditional brake components such as pads, rotors, and fluid are checked regularly. As with non-hybrid vehicles, brake pad wear is something you’ll often feel or hear, though regular servicing will often avoid this eventuality.

Cooling System Checks

Hybrid cars have a thermal management system that is more complex than a gasoline-only car with its coolant pump and radiator. In a hybrid, the electric motor and battery also need cooling. Often, a refrigerant-based system directly cools the battery and feeds the air-conditioning.

Transmission and Drivetrain Maintenance

Hybrid vehicles use a more complex transmission system that manages power from both the ICE and electric motor. They often have electronic CVT (e-CVT) automatic gearing rather than manual gears. This still needs maintaining with CVT transmission fluid and other fluids. Periodic inspections of drivetrain components like axles and differential fluid are also important.

Software Updates by Your Honda Dealer

In a hybrid car, software controls hybrid-specific elements like ICE/motor power management, energy distribution, and regenerative braking as well as universal features like climate control and driver-assistive technologies. A Honda technician can perform software updates for you, which may improve aspects of safety, efficiency, or performance.

Tire Maintenance

Just like regular cars, a Honda hybrid needs regular tire checks. A dealership will look at elements like alignment and tread depth, informing you of any need for new tires. Of course, you should also keep an eye on tires to ensure safe driving.

Contact Tony Honda Kona in Kailua-Kona, HI to schedule a service for your Honda hybrid vehicle.

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