Hybrid cars have become a much more common sight on UK roads over the last few years. With fuel prices being what they are and more drivers thinking about running costs, it’s a question we hear more often: are hybrids actually cheaper to look after than a traditional petrol car?
The honest answer is that it depends, but there are some genuine advantages worth knowing about.
How hybrids work differently
A hybrid car uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor, switching between the two depending on speed and driving conditions. Some hybrids can be plugged in to charge, while others recharge through braking and coasting. This combination is what makes them more fuel efficient, but it also affects how they wear and what maintenance they need.
Where hybrids can save you money
Brakes last longer
One of the less obvious benefits of driving a hybrid is that the brakes tend to last longer than on a petrol car. This is because hybrids use a process called regenerative braking, which recovers energy when you slow down and uses it to charge the battery. The traditional brakes are used less as a result, which means less wear on the pads and discs over time.
Better fuel economy
This one is fairly well known, but it’s worth mentioning. Hybrids are generally more fuel efficient than petrol cars, particularly in town and stop-start traffic where the electric motor does more of the work. Over time, those savings at the pump do add up.
No alternator or starter motor
Traditional petrol cars have an alternator and a starter motor, both of which can fail over time and cost money to replace. Hybrids handle these functions differently through the electric motor system, which means two less things to go wrong.
Where the costs can be higher
Battery replacement
The hybrid battery is the big one. Most manufacturers say their batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, and in many cases they do. But if a hybrid battery does fail outside of warranty, replacement can be expensive. It’s worth checking the warranty on any hybrid you buy or already own.
Specialist knowledge required
Not every garage is set up to work on hybrid vehicles. The electrical systems require specific training and equipment, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking your hybrid to a garage that knows what they’re doing. At Bodymek, we work on hybrid vehicles and can carry out servicing and repairs with the knowledge and equipment needed.
Parts can cost more
Some hybrid-specific components are more expensive to replace than their petrol equivalents, simply because they are more complex. That said, as hybrids have become more common, parts availability and pricing has improved.
So is a hybrid cheaper to maintain?
For most drivers, a hybrid will work out cheaper to run day to day, particularly if you do a lot of town driving. The savings on fuel and brakes are real, and the reliability of modern hybrid systems has improved significantly.
The main thing to be aware of is the battery. If you’re buying a used hybrid, it’s worth checking the battery health and making sure any remaining manufacturer warranty is still in place.
Bring your hybrid to Bodymek
Whether you drive a petrol, hybrid, or anything in between, we’re here to help. Give us a call on 01604 589179 for free, friendly advice, or pop in and speak to the team.
