Do Hybrid Cars Require Less Frequent Oil Changes?

No, just because your car’s a hybrid doesn’t mean it requires fewer oil changes than a conventional gasoline car. Depending on the make and model, your hybrid vehicle will most likely need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (or two or three times annually), which is about the same as a gas-powered car. Some hybrids with turbocharged engines may require more frequent oil changes, and most need turbo-specific oils to preserve the integrity of the engine and turbocharger.

Skipping an oil change will do no favors for your hybrid car. Sure, the oil inside a hybrid’s gas engine tends to deteriorate at a slower rate than in a gas car, since the engine is not running all the time. However, the multiple engine start-stops that happen while driving may cause more wear if the oil is dirty. You can refer to the owner’s manual to determine the manufacturer-prescribed oil change intervals of your hybrid car.

The good news? Changing the oil of a hybrid is no different than draining the oil from a regular car, which is understandable since hybrids still have a gas engine to recharge the high-voltage battery and provide power assist. More important than taking your hybrid for an oil change is replacing the oil filter and using the right oil. Again, the owner’s manual will have everything you need to know about the recommended type (semi-synthetic or full synthetic) and viscosity. The cost of changing the oil will vary greatly, but you can save hundreds with a DIY oil change.

While hybrids need regular oil changes like a gasoline car, they do require less overall maintenance owing to their electrified powertrains. For instance, most hybrids have regenerative braking, which lessens the strain on the mechanical brakes. It means the rotors and brake pads will last longer and won’t need frequent servicing or replacements. It’s why Tesla EVs have brake pads that could last up to 100,000 miles, because regenerative braking takes care of the majority of the stopping power.

Despite having a hybrid battery, the car still needs a 12-volt battery like a conventional car to power the lights and other electronics. And that 12-volt battery needs periodic replacement, typically every three to five years depending on the battery type, ambient temperature, and usage scenarios. Absorbent glass mat (AGM) and 12-volt lithium-ion batteries can last longer, typically four to six years, albeit at a higher cost. Costco offers more affordable Interstate batteries with significant warranty coverage, which makes them a fantastic deal if savings are a priority.

Speaking of batteries, what about the high-voltage battery in a hybrid car? Given proper care and maintenance, it’s expected to last the life of the vehicle, which is another way of saying that hybrid batteries can last as long as the factory warranty allows. The actual numbers will depend on the make and model, but Toyota hybrid cars have a 10-year/150,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty. The lengthy warranty is welcome since the cost of replacing a hybrid battery is around $1,000 to $6,000 without labor.