Oct 31, 2007

Fixing Ailing Hybrids

Who will fix all the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles that are currently being introduced to the market? Well, if you ask General Motors it will tell you its trained, factory technicians should be the ones to look under the hood of the complicated new environmentally friendly vehicles. Now that hybrids have become less a novelty and more of a reality, determining where they can be serviced and who can service them are becoming important questions. GM says following the manufacturer's recommendations is important because, according to GM Goodwrench, "the voltage run from these vehicles can not only hurt you -- it could kill you."

Hybrids use two power sources to run the vehicle -- a conventional gas engine and an electric motor connected to a powerful battery. Many technicians are not trained to work on the electric motors and batteries in hybrids, so taking your hybrid in for service at the dealership where you bought it rather than an independent shop is a safe bet. But it can also be limiting, especially if you move away or have a breakdown.

When looking for an alternative to your dealer, the key is to ask your local shop if they have a technician who's been trained to do maintenance on hybrids. (If you find one that says yes, don't bother playing the lottery that week.) Asking the right questions will not only protect your investment but also maintain the condition of the vehicle and perhaps keep someone from being electrocuted.