Hybrid vehicle servicing
The traditional engine in a hybrid vehicle requires the same level of maintenance as a standard petrol or diesel vehicle.Hybrid Car Servicing
Keep your hybrid running safely and efficiently with specialist hybrid car servicing from HiQ. Hybrid vehicles combine a conventional engine with an electric motor and high-voltage system, so they need routine mechanical maintenance as well as the right expertise to work safely around hybrid components.
Our hybrid-trained technicians have the skills and technical training required to service and maintain hybrid vehicles.
Enter your registration and location to find a suitable HiQ centre and request a callback.
Do hybrid cars need servicing?
Yes. A hybrid car still needs regular servicing in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Its petrol or diesel engine requires many of the same routine checks as a conventional car, while the hybrid system introduces additional high voltage components and cooling systems that need appropriate inspection and maintenance.
Regular servicing can help identify wear or developing faults early, maintain vehicle reliability and ensure key safety items such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and fluids are checked at the right intervals.
What is included in a hybrid car service?
What is included will depend on your vehicle, mileage, manufacturer schedule and the level of service selected. A typical hybrid service may include:
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement, where required
- Engine air filter, cabin filter and spark plug checks or replacement at the appropriate service interval
- Brake condition and brake fluid checks
- Tyre condition, tread depth and pressure checks
- Steering and suspension inspection
- Checks of essential fluid and coolant levels, including hybrid system coolant where applicable
- 12V battery condition and general electrical checks
- Visual checks around high voltage components, cables and connections where included in the service
- Warning light and diagnostic checks where applicable
- Exterior lights, wipers and other routine safety checks
Your HiQ centre can confirm the checks and replacement items included for your specific hybrid before work begins.
Why does hybrid servicing need specialist expertise?
Hybrid vehicles use high voltage electrical systems alongside a conventional engine. Working safely around these systems requires appropriate knowledge, procedures and training. HiQ’s hybrid trained technicians understand the additional precautions required when servicing a hybrid vehicle, while carrying out the routine mechanical checks your car still needs.
Self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid servicing
HiQ hybrid servicing is relevant to both conventional ‘self-charging’ hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), subject to the capability of your chosen centre. Both combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, although PHEVs have a larger battery that can also be charged from an external power source.
Because servicing requirements differ by manufacturer and model, your technician will use the correct schedule for your vehicle rather than a universal approach.
How often should a hybrid car be serviced?
Follow the service intervals set by your vehicle manufacturer. For many cars, this means scheduled servicing annually or at a specified mileage, but the interval can vary by make, model and how the vehicle is used. Your handbook or onboard service indicator will normally provide the correct schedule.
How much does a hybrid car service cost?
Hybrid car servicing costs vary depending on the make and model, the service level required and any replacement parts or fluids due at that interval. Enter your registration and location to request a callback from a suitable HiQ centre and get a vehicle-specific price.
Gold and Silver Hybrid Vehicle Servicing
Whilst most of the servicing is routine, specialist skills to handle high voltage and safety systems are required to work on hybrids. All of our hybrid-trained technicians go through extensive technical training to ensure that we are equipped to service and maintain your vehicle.
Hybrid service options at HiQ
HiQ offers different levels of car servicing to suit your vehicle and its maintenance schedule. The exact service available, checks included and price can vary by vehicle and centre, so the best way to get the right option is to enter your registration and speak to your local hybrid capable HiQ centre.
If your MOT is also due, ask your centre whether it can be completed during the same visit.
Hybrid Gold Service
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Spark plugs and where applicable, the points and condenser
- We’ll top up fluids and lubricate grease nipples (where needed)
- Everything is checked from seat belt operation to the exhaust system.
Hybrid Silver Service
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Screen wash fluid
- Plus thorough inspection of everything from shock absorbers to the exterior lights.
Hybrid cars still require engine oil, just like any regular petrol/diesel car with an internal combustion engine. As hybrid cars use a combustion engine, this makes their lubrication needs just as crucial. However, oil changes may be required less frequently than in a standard petrol/diesel vehicle.
The underlying service principle is similar, but plug-in hybrids have a larger high-voltage battery and charging equipment. The exact inspections and maintenance requirements depend on the manufacturer and model.
Routine items may look similar to a petrol or diesel service, but hybrids contain high-voltage systems that require the correct training and safe working procedures. Choose a centre with technicians who are trained to work on hybrid vehicles.
Independent garages can service many hybrid vehicles, but the work needs to follow the correct manufacturer schedule and use suitable parts, fluids and procedures. Your HiQ centre can confirm whether it can service your specific vehicle.
Much like electric vehicles, hybrid cars tend to have extensive manufacturer warranty periods that are longer than modern ownership lengths due to increases in PCH and leasing contracts. For example, the Toyota Prius comes with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty as standard to offer peace of mind for drivers.
Routine maintenance and minor repairs tend to be no higher for a hybrid than for a regular petrol/diesel car. In fact, costs for hybrid maintenance may be lower. The combustion engine shuts down when the car is idle and at low speeds when the electric motor takes over. That means there's less wear and tear on the engine. However, the hybrid systems can be complex, and if repairs are required outside of the manufacturer's warranty period, then the costs can be much higher.
This depends entirely on which battery has no power. If the standard 12-volt battery has no power, but the high-voltage battery is functioning, then you can drive the car. However, if the high-voltage battery has zero power, then you will be unable to drive the vehicle.
Standard hybrid vehicles do not need to be plugged in. A standard hybrid uses both a combustion engine and an electric motor to increase mileage and lower fuel usage. The car is able to recharge its batteries using regenerative braking or while driving on engine power.
To increase electric motor mileage, some manufacturers are creating ‘plug-in hybrids’ that have more powerful batteries which can be charged by “plugging in” the vehicle to a sufficient power supply.
- Battery Issues - The common problem with hybrid cars is the battery technology. When the batteries can no longer hold a charge, they'll need to be replaced, which can be very expensive if required outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period.
- Specialist technicians required - Taking your hybrid to a local garage may not always be possible. The complex hybrid systems often require a specialist technician with the correct training and qualifications required to work on hybrid vehicles.
Why choose HiQ?
Choosing HiQ means choosing local expertise you can trust. With over 100 centres across the UK, many of which are run by local teams, we’re proud to be part of your community. Our honest, reliable approach puts you first. We’ll only do the work your car needs, and you’ll always know the cost upfront. Backed by Goodyear, a global leader in tyres, HiQ combines local care with unmatched quality to keep you and your car on the road.
Your local experts
Every HiQ centre is run by a team of experienced professionals who live and work in your local area. They’re the heart of our business, providing fast, friendly, and professional service with a personal touch. When you choose HiQ, you’re supporting local businesses while getting expert care for your car.
Free service reminders
Life is busy, so we like to keep things easy. Our free service reminders ensure you never miss an MOT or car service. We’ll gently nudge you when it’s time to give your car a little TLC. One less thing for you to remember. More time for everything else that matters.
Finance available
Unexpected car costs shouldn’t put the brakes on your plans. Our finance options help you spread the cost of tyres, services, or repairs, so you can keep moving without stretching your budget. Talk to us about flexible payment solutions designed to make life easier.
Trusted by our customers
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of happy customers across the UK trust HiQ, thanks to our honesty, reliability, and five-star service. We’ll always deliver exactly what we promise. It’s why so many customers return time and time again.
