A hybrid is a car that uses a gasoline engine and one electric motor at least for it to move. There are certain times when only the gasoline engine would be doing the work and there are times when the electric motor would be doing the work but there are also times when they work together. As a result of that, less gasoline is burned thus reducing the amount of fuel you consume, and also using electric power will enhance the performance of your car. High mileage simply means having a car that has a higher number of miles than a normal driver puts on a car when compared to its age. For example, putting between 10,000 to 12,000 miles on a car each year is quite normal. But if that car exceeds that number of miles, that is when it is considered as high mileage. If you maintain your car properly it can have a life expectancy of more than 200,000 miles.
High mileage for hybrid cars provides an eight to ten years per 100,000-mile warranty. Some countries have hybrid warranties that last for up to 150,000 miles.
There are various types of hybrids. Here are some of them:
- Mild hybrids: These hybrids use tiny battery packs and electric motors only to help the engine of the car and not directly drive the wheels of the car. Unlike other hybrids that only their electric motors can move a car for a short distance, a mild hybrid doesn’t. A mild hybrid’s electric motor helps the gasoline engine to save fuel, boost performance, or do both. The electric motor of a mild hybrid also works as a starter for the automatic start-stop system that shuts down the engine when the car eventually comes to rest to save fuel.
- The parallel or traditional hybrid utilizes a bigger electric motor and a battery pack and they can move a few miles on only electric power. These hybrids cannot be plugged in and all their electric power is gotten from engine power and brake regeneration and engine power.
- Plug-in hybrids: These hybrids also utilize larger electric motors and battery packs and they can travel for at least twenty miles without making use of the combustion engine. These sets of hybrids can be plugged into an outlet or socket. You can drive these hybrid cars on only electric power while the combustion engine is used for carrying heavy loads or for embarking on very long journeys.
What are the signs of a dying battery in a hybrid car?
There are certain signs you will notice about your hybrid car’s battery for you to know that it is dying.
- Cumbersome driving performance. If you notice that your driving performance is cumbersome, it could be that your battery is dying. Sometimes, your hybrid battery takes charge of the wheels of your car. If it feels sluggish, there could be a problem with it.
- Bad fuel economy. If you are always having issues with the fuel of your car–especially issues with the fuel of your car getting exhausted easily, it could be that your car’s battery is dying or not performing well.
- If you always have issues with the battery of your car not kicking in the normal way it does, it could be that it is gradually aging or it’s dying.
- Some weird electrical fluctuations in your car are another sign that the battery of your car is dying. When you notice this, ensure you get a mechanic to check it instantly.
- Fast battery depletion is another sign that the battery of your car is dying. If the battery of your high mileage car is running down very fast and not holding its charge, you will need to replace it immediately.
How to prolong the life expectancy of a high mileage car
There are easy ways you can prolong the life expectancy of your high mileage car. If you spent a lot of money to purchase that car, you will do everything you can to protect it so it will last long. Here are some ways you can prolong the life expectancy of your high mileage car.
- Get the perfect auto insurance for your high mileage car. Getting auto insurance will help protect you if anything bad happens to your car. You won’t have to handle the cost of the damage yourself.
- Always drive safely. High mileage cars last long if you drive them de gently but if you are always at a high speed, they won’t last long. When driving stay away from potholes and other bad road conditions that can stress your high mileage car, take gentle turns and avoid slamming on the gas or brakes of your car.
- Always keep your high mileage car clean. If you clean your car often, it will hinder corrosion under and on it. Scrub grime and bugs away. Avoid driving in the snow so that road salt doesn’t damage your car.
- Strictly adhere to the instructions on your owner’s maintenance manual. Adhering to the instructions on the manual will help prolong the life of your high mileage car. Take the maintenance of your car seriously especially during its early life so that the problems don’t escalate. Practice maintaining the fluids of your car, check your car’s tires pressure often, and always change your car’s oil.
- Don’t use low-quality replacement parts. Using low-quality replacement parts for your high mileage car is very dangerous. If you want to extend the life of your high mileage car, do well to substitute the worn-out parts with high-quality parts. Don’t settle for anything less than high quality.
- Be very prompt in fixing any issue you have with your high mileage car. Don’t wait until things get worse before you take care of them. If you don’t take care of a trivial issue, it could get worse and cost you more to repair. The moment you notice anything unusual about your high mileage car, do well to quickly take it to a mechanic to service it.
Conclusion
A hybrid car uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine or an internal combustion engine for it to move. Most times, it is either the electric motor is working or the gasoline engine or both of them are working to ensure that the car is moving. Using a hybrid car is helps your car to consume less fuel and less gasoline. High mileage in a car is the highest amount of miles any driver can go with its age. High mileage for hybrid cars can provide a 100,000-mile warranty for eight to ten years. Certain countries have hybrid warranties that last for up to 150,000 miles for twelve to fifteen years.
Buying a hybrid car is one thing and maintaining it is another thing. Ensure you pay close attention to all the parts of your hybrid car. If you notice anything unusual about it, quickly take it to a mechanic.