Battery Air Filter

How a Hybrid Charges the Combustible Engine

Spiteri’s Auto Service in Belmont, CA, knows hybrids, domestic, European, German, and Japanese vehicles to accommodate many vehicle owners. Spiteri’s is also a green shop. They’re committed to a clean environment and go the extra mile to use a squeegee and mop to clean up and dispose of hazardous materials.

Packed with ASE-Certified Technicians who are highly trained in hybrid repair, Spiteri’s uses the finest diagnostic equipment and has earned The Blue Seal of Excellence and many other awards to help their customers drive away feeling safe. Spiteri’s also dishes informative segments to keep their customers up to date on various topics. Today, we are discussing the needs of a hybrid vehicle and how it may differ from a standard vehicle.

The main difference in hybrid vehicle maintenance versus a standard automobile is the battery air filter. These electric motors use energy stored in batteries to help the vehicle run without gasoline, DC/DC converter, thermal system, and electric traction motor. Hybrid vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which uses energy stored in batteries. A hybrid vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The batter can also reduce engine idling when the vehicle is stopped.

A low-voltage battery provides electricity to start the vehicle before the traction battery is engaged. The DC/DC converter converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower DC power needed to run vehicle accessories. This process also aids in recharging the auxiliary battery. Thermal cooling maintains the correct operating temperature in the engine, electric motor, and power electronics.

Hybrid batteries are costly and usually come with an 8-year, 80,000-mile warranty to relieve the buyer of the expense of frequent battery replacements. Additional maintenance is required to prevent expensive costs to replace this unique filter and keep the vehicle running smoothly. Brake pads are another advantage for a hybrid owner. Brake pads require fewer replacements resulting in less cost, which saves the owner money on parts and maintenance. Switching from electricity to gasoline is a big adjustment for any automobile, and a hybrid has the advantage of reducing your gasoline costs.



Hybrid vehicles need oil changes, belt changes, tire alignment, fluid, wiper replacement, and just about everything else that a standard vehicle needs. Some additional exceptions are imported performance and luxury vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with advanced systems that require frequent maintenance scheduling compared to the average car. But, the main advantage of a hybrid vehicle is less gas use. Hybrids must have their transmissions inspected, a possible smog check, and an annual car inspection in some states.