Maximizing and Maintaining Hybrid Car Performance

About to take the plunge and purchase your first hybrid? Take a moment to get familiar with the maintenance involved in ownership. Now that hybrids have become more established in the market, potential buyers can even save on their purchase by buying them used. Car Coach Lauren Fix offers these tips for taking awesome care of your newest eco-friendly venture:

1. Read the owners manual! "This is the book in your glove box under all the napkins and ketchup packs." Lauren admits it's not a great novel, but there is a lot of very useful information in there. Remember: they wouldn't pay for it to be printed if it didn't matter.
2. Remember to change the Inverter Coolant! For many hybrids this should be done during the 30,000 mile service, so when purchasing a used hybrid, be sure to ask for all receipts!
3. Oil and oil filter changes need to occur every 3,000-5,000 miles. Synthetic oil is recommended and will extend the life to 7500 -10000 miles between oil changes.
4. Remember to change the Inverter Coolant! For many hybrids this should be done during the 30,000 mile service, so when purchasing a used hybrid, be sure to ask for all receipts!

Read the full RTM article here.