Are Hybrid Cars Expensive to Repair?

Hybrid cars alternate between using a standard fuel-injected engine and a battery-operated engine for power. These cars have gained popularity through the years, as they offer better fuel efficiency than standard vehicles and can be more affordable than fully electric models.

Buyers can find hybrids in a variety of price ranges, and used models could be even more affordable. Those who are considering trading in their traditional vehicle for a hybrid, though, might research the reliability and costs associated with hybrids. Are hybrid cars more expensive to repair?

Basic Maintenance Costs

Vehicle ownership comes with costs beyond monthly payments, the price of insurance and fuel costs. Owners need to maintain their vehicles to ensure they run properly and remain reliable. While some models are known to be more reliable than others on the market, failing to provide basic maintenance might lead to decreasing reliability and perhaps even more expensive repairs.

Some of the most common routine maintenance needs for vehicles include:

• Oil changes

• Tire rotations

• Brake pad replacements

• Tire replacement

• Replacing the air filter

• Fluid top-offs (e.g. windshield wiper fluid)

• Wiper blade replacement

Hybrids are not necessarily more expensive to maintain for these common needs than standard vehicles. In some cases, they might even be less expensive to maintain. 

Oil Change Prices

The price of oil changes might be more expensive for certain vehicles depending on the type of oil and the number of quarts needed. Most standard oil changes include up to five quarts of oil in the initial quote. Some cars require more than this amount, and this raises the price.

In addition, synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil. However, many newer models now specify synthetic oil for oil changes. This type of oil typically leads to better fuel efficiency; since hybrids still use a standard engine for power, they also may require synthetic oil.

However, hybrids may require less frequent oil changes, leading to lower maintenance costs.

Tire Rotations

In general, tire rotations for cars will be a standard price at automotive centers or dealerships. Tire rotations involve moving the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front. Rotating the tires regularly ensures that all tires receive equal wear and tear. This can help maximize the life of a vehicle’s tires.

How much is a tire rotation? Motor Verso explains that car owners might pay between $10 to $20 per wheel.

Replacing Brake Pads

When car owners hear that distinct squeak as they press down on the brake, they know it’s definitely time to swap out the brake pads. Thankfully, brake pads can last from 25,000 to 65,000 miles. On average, car owners might pay around $150 per axle for brake pad replacement.

Hybrids may need fewer brake pad replacements, though.

Tire Replacement

While replacing tires isn’t a standard routine cost, sometimes accidents happen and drivers hit something in the road that destroys their tire. The cost of a new tire depends on the vehicle and perhaps even the preference of the driver.

Some tire brands and types are more expensive than others. In addition, some car owners want to invest in more expensive tires for their automobile. The price of a new tire can average from around $80 to $150 for what is known as ‘all-season tires.’ Pickup truck tires are more expensive and range from $100 to $250 per tire (on average).

Those who own a hybrid might select low-rolling tires, as these help maximize the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Replacing the Engine Air Filter

The air filter of the vehicle needs to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. While these parts aren’t incredibly expensive, the price of labor will bump up the final cost of the replacement. Car owners might expect to pay around $40 to $85 for a mechanic to swap out this part.  

However, changing the air filter is important to keep the car running smoothly. A dirty air filter also could lead to engine issues, too.

In addition the cabin air filter also may need to be replaced periodically. A dirty cabin air filter can lead to the HVAC working less efficiently.

Fluid Top-Offs

When car owners take their car into a mechanic or dealership for routine maintenance work like an oil change, other fluid levels likely will be checked, too. Coolant levels and windshield wiper fluids will be ‘topped off’ if they are running low.

However, if coolant is continuously low, car owners should schedule a visit for a more detailed check-up. There could be a leak in the reservoir or other issues that are causing the low coolant levels. Proper coolant levels ensure that the engine doesn’t overheat, and low coolant levels shouldn’t be ignored.

Wiper Blade Replacement

New wiper blades may be necessary when car owners notice that their current blades aren’t adequately clearing their windshield. The old blades may leave a streaky mess in their wake.

Wiper blades vary in price, but they can be fairly inexpensive. However, some car owners like to upgrade to pricier blades, so the cost could simply depend on the preference of the car owner.

Engine Repairs for Hybrids Might Be More Expensive

While basic maintenance for hybrids won’t necessarily be more expensive than the standard vehicle, hybrid engine repair might be more expensive than the standard vehicle. Hybrid engines are more complex as they combine traditional fuel-injected power with electric power, too.

The most expensive repair for hybrids is when the battery pack needs to be replaced. A replacement could total around $2,000.

Are Hybrids Worth the Additional Cost?

Car buyers might wonder if the price of the hybrid is worth it. The answer really depends on the buyer. If they have the budget to invest in a hybrid, and they need a fuel efficient car for commuting, a hybrid could be a great choice.

Again, routine maintenance on these vehicles aren’t necessarily more expensive than a standard vehicle. In some cases, maintenance costs could be lower. However, if car buyers need to replace the battery pack, they could end up paying a few thousand dollars for a replacement.

The price of fuel is in favor of the hybrid, though. These vehicles typically get more than 50 miles per gallon, making them incredibly fuel efficient for commuters.

Use Carzing to Find the Best Hybrid

Car buyers who are interested in buying a new or used hybrid can use Carzing to simplify their search. Carzing lets buyers find cars based on make/model, body type and price.

Buyers can specify their price point and then narrow down their choices to hybrid models. They also can omit used or new models and select additional criteria like drivetrain and equipment preferences.

Carzing also lets buyers get pre-qualified for financing. Find the financing with the lowest monthly payment or the option with the best loan term length. Carzing also helps buyers understand how much money they need for their down payment.

Buyers can print out the details of their financing and take it to the dealership. With Carzing, buyers can simplify  their car search to ensure that their time at the dealership is focused on the important details of the deal—like completing the credit application, securing financing and finalizing the deal.

Carzing lets buyers find the best hybrid and the best financing for their budget, and buyers can feel confident in knowing that they were in control of the entire buying process.