Electric and hybrid vehicles have fewer components and tend to require less maintenance. However, if you want your eco-friendly model to perform well and last a long time, then routine GMC maintenance at your GM dealer is key. Learn when to schedule maintenance and other best practices that can prolong the life of your green vehicle today.
How to Maximize the Lifespan and Efficiency of Your Electric or Hybrid GM Vehicle
At the heart of your hybrid or electric GM vehicle is an electric battery. If you have an EV or a PHEV, one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle is to avoid charging the battery to 100%. Ideally, you should only charge your drive battery to 80% to extend the battery life, particularly if your vehicle has a regenerative braking system that recharges your battery while you’re on the road.
No matter what kind of hybrid or electric battery your vehicle has, you should also do your best to protect your car from extreme temperatures. Exposing your car to very cold or hot weather can degrade the battery life, reduce driving range, and alter charging times. It’s best to store your eco-friendly model in a garage to protect the battery.
When Should You Book GMC Maintenance at Your GM Dealer?
Apart from your regular service intervals outlined in your GMC’s maintenance booklet, you should schedule service at your local dealership as soon as you notice battery performance issues. Early warning signs of electric or hybrid battery failure include reduced fuel or energy efficiency, meaning your car doesn’t drive as far as it should on a fully charged battery, and an electric motor that doesn’t engage during hard acceleration.
It’s also best to book service when the dashboard warning indicator lights turn on. Most of the time, the check battery or check engine light will turn when there is an issue with one of these components, such as a battery that isn’t holding a full charge. Scheduling service quickly can minimize repair costs and get you back on the road without delay.
Although your hybrid or electric GMC vehicle needs a little less maintenance than a gas vehicle, there are still things you can do as a car owner to maximize the lifespan of your vehicle. In particular, you will want to do everything you can to preserve the life of your battery, such as by scheduling regular maintenance. Book a battery service appointment at Opequon Motors in Martinsburg, WV.
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