1. Battery Care

• Warm It Up: Hybrid batteries can lose efficiency in cold temperatures. A block heater is essential in the internal combustion engine. If your hybrid is not garaged, throw an old sleeping bag over the engine while it is plugged in. It really makes a difference! Every degree matters with regard to the ambient temperature surrounding a hybrid battery and results in better performance, hands down.
• Monitor Charge Levels: Cold weather can reduce your battery’s capacity, so keep an eye on charge levels. Avoid letting your hybrid freeze solid by not driving it frequently enough, as this will lead to starting issues.

2. Optimize Cabin Heating

• Preconditioning: If your hybrid has a preconditioning feature, use it! This feature warms up the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This means the battery won’t be drained by the heating system during your drive.
• Use Seat Warmers: Instead of relying solely on the cabin heater fan, use seat warmers in a pre-heat setting if you own a plug-in hybrid. Doing so will reduce the strain on your hybrid’s electric system as you drive.

3. Choose the Right Oil

• Winter-Grade Oil: Make sure you’re using the appropriate oil for cold weather. Winter-grade oils remain fluid at lower temperatures, making it easier for the engine to start and reducing wear and tear on the engine.

4. Tire Maintenance

• Winter Tires: Install sticky winter tires with a low rolling resistance that provides better traction on snow and ice. This is especially important for hybrids, which have regenerative braking systems that work best with tires that offer good grip.
• Check Tire Pressure Often: Hybrids are heavy cars. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, which affects traction and fuel efficiency. This matters for Hybrids. Check your tire pressure regularly, and keep it at the recommended level.

5. Regular Brake Checks

• Regenerative Braking: Hybrids use regenerative braking to recharge the battery. Water and ice can affect this system. A mid-winter inspection and oil change can catch ice build-up on hybrids that are either garaged in colder temperatures or hybrids that are never garaged.

6. Efficient Driving Habits

• Drive Confidently: Here’s another reason to get the stickiest tires possible. Avoid slipping on acceleration and sliding while braking. These actions both drain your hybrid’s battery and fail to charge it. Smooth driving is not only safer on icy roads but it helps maintain battery charge.
• Limit Short Trips: Short trips prevent your hybrid’s engine and battery from reaching optimal operating temperatures. When possible, combine errands into longer trips to keep your vehicle warm and efficient.

7. Cold Weather Start-Up

• Gentle Warm-Up: Give your hybrid a few minutes to warm up before driving, especially in extreme cold weather. This allows the engine and battery to reach their optimal operating temperatures, reducing strain on the vehicle.

8. Keep Fluids Topped Off

• Antifreeze and Coolant: Here is a detail that is super important for hybrids. Ensure coolant and antifreeze levels are adequate and the mixture is suitable for cold temperatures. This is vital for preventing engine freezing and ensuring the hybrid’s systems run smoothly.

Ensure your hybrid vehicle stays dependable for years—even in the extreme Alaskan climate—by following these cold weather care tips. 

If you need a routine inspection or suspect you need a repair, Metro’s team of local hybrid and EV specialists can give your car the care it needs to get you back on the road. Schedule an appointment on our website: https://metropolitangarage.com/