AUTO P. I. MOBILE PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS 512-454-5999
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Hybrid Batteries
If the vehicle you are purchasing is a hybrid, you will need to consider the life of a hybrid battery.
Before you buy the vehicle, check the battery’s warranty. Most hybrid manufactures provide an 8 to 10 year/100,000-mile warranty. Some Manufactures offer a lifetime warranty on their batteries, and some states, which have California emissions laws (not Texas), mandate that hybrid warranties last up to 150,000 miles.
In most cases, hybrid batteries start to become a risk when they are 10 to 15 years old, with 120,000 to 150,000 miles. A hybrid battery can fail in as little as 70,000 miles, while others can make it 200,000 miles without issue.
A failed hybrid car battery can cost thousands of dollars to replace. Batteries can also be refurbished or rebuilt by replacing dead cells with new ones.
Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic tool, no computer test, or Automotive Technician that can accurately predict when a functioning battery will go bad.
During the inspection, the Master Technician will plug into the vehicle’s computer and perform a system check on the overall function of the hybrid battery. If the battery shows any signs of failure, the Inspector will document that information on your report
SIGNS OF THE HYBRID BATTERY GOING BAD:
1) Lower Miles Per Gallon (MPG are lower than in the past)
2) State of Charge Fluctuations (fluctuation in the change level while driving)
3) Increased Use of Internal Combustion Engine (engine constantly trying to charge the battery)
4) Decreased Battery Charge (battery charge goes down overnight)
5. Strange Engine Noises (car struggles to accelerate, leading to overuse of the engine.