Hybrid Car Care 101: HEV maintenance tips for the rainy season

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are gaining popularity as the future of mobility among Filipino car owners and enthusiasts. Especially today, amidst fuel price hikes and the environmental crisis, HEVs seem to be a better alternative for its fuel-efficient and self-charging mechanisms.

A lot of car enthusiasts, however, get intimidated by HEV’s maintenance requirements, which in reality are not too far from those of a regular car. Electric, hybrid, or regular vehicles–no cars are completely safe from the road risks brought upon by the rainy season. It’s important to make it a habit to regularly check and maintain your car for safety. 

If you own an HEV, make sure you cover everything in this checklist:

1. Check your tires, brakes, and any leaks

Tires and brakes are most vulnerable during the rainy season. Before you hit the road, inspect your tires for any holes and your tire pressure to prevent potential inconveniences and accidents. For brakes, HEVs have a regenerative braking system so it benefits from higher friction and heat. Check your brakes or bring your HEV to a local dealer for a quick check-up. 

Check the rubber seals around doors, windows, hood, trunk, and taillights and clean out debris to prevent water pooling that might cause leaks.

2. Watch out for battery health

Cold and wet weather can shorten a vehicle’s battery life to one or two years. If you see any signs of drying out or bloating, immediately arrange for a replacement. A multimeter can also come in handy so that you can easily test your car’s battery.

The electric battery pack of an HEV generates large amounts of heat for its regenerative braking system which may affect the temperature of the clamps, pipes, and hoses of the electric motor. Make sure to keep these in check.

3. Be diligent in following maintenance schedules

Keeping track of your car’s mileage and maintenance schedule is the easiest way to make sure your car is in good condition and won’t have any breakdown on the road. The routine maintenance services are best done every three months or every 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

4. Get a car insurance

There are limits as to how you can keep your car maintained, and unexpected car troubles and inconveniences can still come your way. A car insurance provider is your partner for these instances and having reliable car insurance can save you from a lot of trouble and unnecessary expenses. Tip: insurance can also be expensive, so take advantage of Auto Loan promos that offer FREE insurance. 

If you have been planning to get your first HEV, take this a sign as Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) have teamed up to launch the Say Hi to Hybrid Auto Loan promo which offers lower rates for Toyota’s Corolla Cross 1.8V Hybrid  (Php 1,665,000 SRP) and Corolla Altis 1.8V Hybrid CVT (Php 1,595,000 SRP). 

TMP Assistant Vice President and Marketing Services head Elvin Luciano said, “This latest partnership with PSBank is exciting for us because having comprehensive car insurance alongside lower rates is important for our customers. Cars are huge investments for our clients and it is important that they have peace of mind when it comes to being prepared for unforeseen circumstances.” 

Any of the two cars come with FREE 1-year comprehensive insurance. Check out the Say Hi To Hybrid Auto Loan promo by visiting the nearest PSBank branch or PSBank website for more information and application. This limited offer is available until August 30, 2022.  

PSBank Senior Vice President and Marketing Division Head Emmanuel A. Tuazon added, “Through this partnership with Toyota, we fulfill our brand promise of Simple Lang, Maasahanby providing our customers with easy access to eco-friendly HEVs and easing the worries about maintenance with FREE insurance