Heat is a fact of life – especially in summer months! But even when it’s not super-warm outside, your hybrid vehicle can experience its own version of “overheating.” Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to offer one of the best-selling lineups of hybrid vehicles – from the Prius to the RAV4, Highlander and more. We want our customers to know the ins and outs of their personal hybrid, so here are a few important things to know regarding how “heat” can affect it.
The basic makeup of the hybrid combines a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with a large electric battery that helps reduce fuel consumption. However, that large hybrid battery can be compromised by excessive heat, with one indicator a reduction in your fuel economy. The heat makes the ICE work harder, and over time, it can damage the battery and make charging it harder and less efficient.
Toyota typically places the hybrid battery pack under the back seats, where it won’t interfere with either interior space or the undercarriage. To keep things cool and operating at peak efficiency, the vehicle recirculates air from inside and blows it across the battery pack. To ensure that the air is in fact cool, run the A/C on hot days.
Putting a tinted coat on your windows can also go a long way in reducing heat inside and also prevents overexerting your air conditioning system.
These simple tips will do a lot to ensure that your hybrid battery pack remains functional, helping to give you the best fuel economy possible. However, if you notice something has gone “off,” the service technicians at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield are always here to check things out. We can ensure that your hybrid battery is up to speed or replace it if it’s somehow been damaged. You’ll be back to peak fuel-efficiency (and lowering emissions) in no time!
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