If you are a hybrid vehicle owner, there are lots of things you should ensure to extend the life of your hybrid battery. Battery life is the most important aspect of owning a hybrid vehicle. That is why, in this article, I will discuss the most critical factors related to the hybrid batteries and which you might have searched for a long time. All the information is based on my observations and experiences and thus can vary at times, but the center point will be the same in most of the cases.
Recondition or Rebuild Hybrid Batteries
Diagnosing the batteries is significant from time to time just like regularly visiting a doctor to diagnose any problem in your body. Taking your hybrid battery to repair expert is a smart work as it can extend the battery life and prevent it from any damage. Reconditioning is a process that involves diagnostics and methods such as grid charging, discharging, cycling or balancing. It is carried out to isolate bad or damaged cells and take it for replacement. It often helps the battery to revert to a more functional condition.
Replacement Needs
Although Toyota Prius hybrid battery lasts for a long time, it may depend upon the kilometers you have achieved, the age, the usage, the maintenance, etc. of your battery. If you drive your hybrid less than 6000 miles a year or your battery is seven years old, then having a replacement or going for reconditioning will be the right option for you. You may start noticing some signs like fuel economy drop, getting fewer bangs for your buck, etc. These all mean that your battery is weak and thus needs to be checked.
Cost of Reconditioning
Hybrid batteries are only very distant cousins to those used in laptops and cell phones. You don’t have to worry about your car dying in the middle of a drive. But if you are planning to recondition it, then you should not think about the cost. This is because, like any other type of machinery, once any part damages and you don’t repair it on time then it may cost you more than earlier. That is why, most experts agree a replacement of hybrid car battery can range anywhere from $1,000 to more than $6,000, depending on the year and model of car and excluding the dealership or independent labor costs.
