The 2016 Toyota Prius is loved for many reasons, it's main one being its high fuel economy and lower emittance of emissions into the atmosphere – they are the top two advantages to owning a hybrid, after all. But, one question you may be wondering about hybrids like the Prius is if they require more or less maintenance services compared to standard, gas-only vehicles. The answer: about the same. Regular maintenance is essential to obtaining the highest level of performance, safety and reliability from your vehicle – whether hybrid or non-hybrid. (It can also increase your vehicle's resale value.) To learn more about importance maintenance services your Prius needs, continue reading.
Oil Changes. Your Prius may not require as much gasoline as a typically car does, but it does still need oil – as long as it's synthetic. A hybrid engine needs oil in order to function properly. Without it, it will not have enough lubrication to keep its critical internal components working as they should. This leads to an overwhelmed engine, damaged parts, and an accumulation of rust and sludge inside the oil. For the healthiest engine, ensure you get oil changes regularly.
Replace the Brakes. Brakes make up one of the most important systems in your car, so it makes sense to stay on top of regular maintenance and repair services. Brake fluids are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the air. This moisture can lead to brake corrosion, even failure. This is why it's important to replace your vehicle's brake fluid annually. This will prevent small problems from becoming larger and costing more in repairs. It's also always important to pay attention to how your brakes feel and sound. If it takes longer to stop than usual, your steering wheel shutters or vibrates, or you hear any squealing or grinding when coming to a stop, this could mean you are in need of brake repairs. Don't risk a failed stop, and stay on top of brake care.
Tire Care. Tires are an important, yet often ignored part of cars. One thing you may never have considered about your tires is that they are the sole part of your vehicle that touches the ground. This means two things:
- If your tires aren't in working condition, your car is stranded.
- If your tires are in poor condition, on-road safety decreases.
To keep your car rolling as you want it to, there are several maintenance services to stay on top of. They include:
- maintaining proper psi
- tire replacements
- wheel alignments
You may already know that your tires need air, but do you know why? Maintaining the proper psi (air) in your tires ensures they have sufficient traction with the road in order to keep you and your passengers safe.
Overinflated tires (too much psi/air) are unable to fully grip the road, which causes them to bounce along the road instead of rolling along smoothly. In turn, ires are more likely to slip or skid, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Under-inflated tires (too little psi/air) pose the opposite problem. Tires that are under-inflated touch too much of the ground, leading to overheating and faster wear and year; they also burn more gas, which causes fuel economy to drop.
Along with keeping proper air in your tires, you can also aid in their longevity by having your car's wheels aligned regularly. Your car's tires work best when the wheels are aligned straight. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to knock them out of alignment from basic maneuvers, driving over pot holes and ruts in the road, and so on. This leads to more wear and tear on your tires and more money spent replacing them.
For more on the 2016 Toyota Prius and for all your maintenance and repair needs, visit our dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada.
