How Long Do Hybrid Car Batteries Last?

If you’re thinking of making the switch to a hybrid model, you probably have some questions about hybrid car battery life. How long do hybrid car batteries last? If a hybrid battery dies, can you still drive the car? Fisher Honda is here to shed some light on the most commonly asked questions in Louisville. 

Average Hybrid Car Battery Lifespan

In the United States, hybrid vehicle manufacturers are legally required to provide a warranty on high-voltage hybrid battery packs for at least eight years or up to 100,000 miles. Auto manufacturers are also legally obliged to transfer the balance of any hybrid battery warranty to a new owner. That means you will get significant protection on your investment, even if you buy a used model.

Reasons for Hybrid Battery Failure

While hybrid batteries are reliable, malfunctions can happen on occasion. Here are some of the most common reasons that a battery would undergo failure:

• Poor electrical connections between cells or battery modules
• Auto manufacturing defects in battery cells
• Extreme high or low battery temperatures 
• Manufacturing differences between cells
• Mechanical damage to the battery during routine maintenance or service

Another external factor is improper service. That’s why it’s so crucial to have your vehicle serviced by technicians who are well-versed in modern hybrid technology. Schedule your service with the team at Fisher Honda for quality car care in the Broomfield area.

Protecting Your Hybrid Battery

One of the best things that you can do for your hybrid car battery lifespan is to stay alert. Your battery has a monitoring system built in, which will broadcast trouble codes and warning indicators onto your dashboard in case of an issue like:

• Abnormal battery temperatures likely caused by problems with the dedicated computer-controlled battery cooling system
• Imbalances between battery cells or battery modules. The failure of just one battery cell will likely degrade the performance of the entire battery pack
• Abnormally high or low rates of charging

If you notice any warning signs, get to a certified service center as soon as possible!

If a Hybrid Battery Dies, Can You Still Drive the Car?

So if a hybrid battery dies, can you still drive the car? The answer depends on why the battery died in the first place. Most hybrid models have two different batteries, the main hybrid battery and the battery that controls your electronics. If the second battery dies, you can drive home in Longmont without a problem. If your main battery dies, you’ll need to tow your car to a service center.

Find Out More with Fisher Honda

We’ve gone through the basics of how long do hybrid car batteries last, and if you have additional questions, we welcome you to contact us. Our team is located in Boulder, and we’re happy to be your one-stop-shop for all things automotive.