All About Hybrid Oil Change: Service Intervals & Maintenance

More drivers want to replace their traditional gas-powered car with a new hybrid vehicle. If you fall into this category, there are a few differences in hybrid maintenance to note. Below are details regarding Hybrid Electric Vehicles, HEV service intervals, which hybrid engine oil and coolant are suitable for hybrids, and how often to schedule a hybrid oil change.

Do Hybrid Vehicles Need Oil Changes?

Routine maintenance for a hybrid is similar to that for a traditional gasoline vehicle. However, there are a few differences to consider. Hybrids don’t use their internal combustion engine as often as gas vehicles, but an oil change is still required. Failing to follow the factory-recommended hybrid oil change service interval can damage the combustion engine, leading to costly repairs. Let’s review the different hybrid vehicle types on the road today.

Hybrid Vehicle Types (HEV, PHEV)

Hybrid vehicle categories differ according to the level of hybridization and the type of hybrid powertrains.

• Full hybrids: This hybrid type operates with the combustion engine, the electric motor, or both simultaneously. The combustion engine only charges the battery while it’s running. The battery does not charge via a plug-in.
• Mild or micro hybrids: With this hybrid type, the electric motor and combustion engine always work together in parallel; they do not operate separately.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These hybrid types have larger batteries than HEVs and can recharge via an external power source. They can operate on pure electric power for long distances before engaging the combustion engine.

Hybrid Powertrain Types

Like traditional vehicles, hybrid powertrains distribute power to the vehicle’s wheels. However, hybrids feature additional powertrain units and can employ different configurations – series, parallel, and series-parallel.

• Parallel Hybrids: With this system, the combustion engine and electric motor are linked to the transmission and can power the vehicle independently or jointly.
• Series Hybrids: In this powertrain type, the combustion engine does not directly send power to the wheels but functions as a generator to recharge the electric motor.
• Series-Parallel Hybrids: This multi-system type uses either the combustion engine or the electric motor to generate power to the wheels.

The internal combustion engine requires regular oil change services for each powertrain type. This routine maintenance task is vital for the longevity and performance of the hybrid combustion engine.

HEV Service Intervals

Hybrid vehicles generally require less frequent engine oil changes than gas-powered vehicles. The electric motor reduces the strain on the combustion engine and slows down oil degradation. HEV oil change service intervals vary based on several factors. These include:

• Driving habits
• Climate and environmental conditions
• Oil type and formula
• Vehicle year, make, model

Typically, hybrids require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles since oil degrades over time. Newer models with more advanced designs use hybrid-specific synthetic oils, extending service intervals to 10,000 miles. Read your owner’s manual and follow the factory recommendations for HEV service intervals.

Hybrid Engine Oil

Hybrid car maintenance includes routine engine oil changes. While hybrid vehicles typically use less oil than traditional cars, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential. Many hybrid manufacturers recommend a lower-weight oil to provide more adequate lubrication for the hybrid engine’s needs. Verify the oil grade and type in your owner’s manual to confirm which hybrid engine oil is right for your vehicle.

HEV Powertrain Lubricant

Almost all hybrids feature automatic transmissions, enabling the necessary automation to switch between the combustion engine and the electric motor. This automation creates challenges when finding the optimal powertrain lubricant. Depending on the hybrid type, the gas engine often acts as a generator for the electric motor, producing more heat than in traditional combustion cars. Due to these circumstances, always use the factory-recommended hybrid-specific powertrain lubricant at the suggested intervals.

HEV Engine Coolants

Hybrid cars come equipped with two cooling systems that perform different tasks and (usually) use different coolant formulas. The hybrid coolant formulas are often manufacturer-specific. Both cooling systems are vital for your hybrid’s continued performance and require routine maintenance. 

• The engine coolant protects the engine from high temperatures, provides lubrication, and prevents corrosion – much like in traditional gas-power cars. 
• The inverter coolant is part of the hybrid’s thermal management system, which cools the hybrid battery, electronic components, and electric motor.

Hybrids need coolants with a mixture of mineral and organic inhibitors free of harmful additives like amines and nitrites. To avoid expensive repairs, only use the factory-recommended coolants for your hybrid at the appropriate time intervals.

Hybrid Oil Change & Vehicle Maintenance

Fisher’s Auto Service specializes in meeting your hybrid vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended HEV service intervals to keep it running correctly. Our qualified hybrid technicians can help you choose the correct hybrid engine oil, coolant, and powertrain lubricant for your make & model HEV or PHEV.

Schedule Hybrid Oil Change Service

Call us at (425) 655-1549 or visit our website to schedule your hybrid oil change service.