Common maintenance practices for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine routine care required for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with specialized attention to the hybrid and electric components. Key maintenance tasks include:
1. Engine and Conventional Vehicle Maintenance
- Regular engine oil and filter changes
- Transmission fluid changes
- Cooling system maintenance for the internal combustion engine
- Inspection of spark plugs and belts as needed
- Tire care, including rotation and pressure checks
- Brake system inspections, noting that regenerative braking often leads to reduced brake wear but still requires routine checks.
2. Hybrid and Electric System Maintenance
- Battery health monitoring and keeping the battery charged to avoid deep discharges
- Regular inspection of the high-voltage components, including the battery and electric motor systems
- Cooling system maintenance specific to battery and inverter to ensure temperature regulation
- Checking inverter coolant levels to maintain hybrid system efficiency
- Inspection and maintenance of the charging port and cables to ensure safe and efficient charging
- Software updates to vehicle systems to optimize performance and battery management
- Cabin air filter replacement and wiper fluid/wiper blade maintenance remain common tasks.
3. Servicing Frequency and Professional Checks
- PHEVs should be serviced similarly to conventional vehicles, generally every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually, following manufacturer recommendations
- Battery and hybrid system checks often require trained technicians during these regular service visits to ensure optimal operation and longevity.
In summary, PHEV maintenance is a hybrid approach: sustained by traditional mechanical upkeep while incorporating specialized care for the battery, inverter, and electric drive components. Regular servicing focusing on both systems ensures reliability, efficiency, and extends the lifespan of the vehicle’s dual powertrains.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-common-maintenance-practices-for-phevs/
