Increasingly, we are hearing from our quick lube owners and operators that they are seeing a rise in the number of hybrid vehicles in their shops. As hybrid vehicles become more common on the road, especially here in California, service bays are filling up with these vehicles. But the lubrication and maintenance needs of a hybrid vehicle are not the same as those of a gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. For quick lube owners and their technicians, this can be a challenge to service these vehicles in their shop.

What are hybrids?
Hybrid electric vehicles combine internal combustion engines with electric motors. These engines can switch between the electric engine and the gasoline engine or use them in tandem. These unique engine features reduce the amount of gasoline needed and the amount of emissions created, but they also create unique lubricant and maintenance challenges. To remain competitive, quick lube operators must understand the lubrication and fuel needs of these vehicles to provide the best service possible for their customers.

The growing hybrid market
The hybrid vehicle market continues to grow rapidly, with hybrids and electric vehicles making up 21.2% of all new light-duty vehicle sales in the third quarter of 2024 (source: Automotive News). California leads the way, with 35% of the nation’s BEV registrations (source: California Air Resources Board). Since our state is a leader in hybrid vehicle adoption, California quick lube operators must learn to adapt to the maintenance and lubrication needs of these vehicles to stay competitive. As more hybrid owners hit the road, they will look for shops that advertise their hybrid services and expertise for routine oil changes, fluid checks, and other maintenance services.

How do hybrid vehicles work?
Before offering hybrid vehicle services, owners and technicians must understand the fundamental differences between a hybrid car and a gasoline-powered vehicle. So here’s a quick rundown of how hybrid electric vehicles function:

  • Internal combustion engine and electric traction motor: In a hybrid vehicle, the gasoline-powered engine works in conjunction with the electric motor. The gasoline engine provides power when needed, while the electric motor uses energy stored in the batteries. This process of working in tandem provides better fuel mileage, reduces emissions, and allows drivers to travel further than they might be able to in an electric vehicle, which must stop for regular charging at specific mileage intervals.
  • Multiple batteries: Hybrid vehicles typically feature a low-voltage auxiliary battery that powers the vehicle’s starting system and accessories. They also include a traction battery pack, which stores electricity generated by the electric motor and regenerative braking.
  • Regenerative braking: This feature captures the kinetic energy lost during braking. In a gasoline-powered engine, this energy is lost as heat. However, the regeneration system in a hybrid vehicle enables this energy to be stored and utilized later in the engine’s battery. When the batteries are depleted, the vehicle’s gasoline engine can still provide power.
  • Transmission: The engine transmission operates similarly to that of a gasoline engine, transferring power generated by the engine to drive the vehicle’s wheels. The only difference is that the transmission gets power from both the electric and gasoline motors.
  • Exhaust system: Hybrid vehicles feature an enhanced exhaust system designed to reduce engine-out emissions further.

As you can see, there are some key differences between a hybrid and a gasoline-powered vehicle. While each of these key components works together in a hybrid engine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, they require special attention from quick lube operators and technicians during routine maintenance.

What are the lubrication needs of hybrid vehicles?
The unique nature of hybrid vehicles means that they have distinct lubrication and fluid needs. For technicians, it’s essential to understand what those needs are and the key areas to focus on when servicing hybrid vehicles:

  • Oil viscosity: Hybrid vehicles switch between the internal combustion engine and an electric motor during driving, which causes different stress loads on the engine. The gasoline engine stops and starts more frequently, which can lead to significant lubrication issues over time. Choosing a lubricant with the proper oil viscosity is crucial to ensure the engine runs smoothly throughout this process.
  • Longer oil change intervals: Hybrid vehicles often require less frequent oil changes due to their reduced gasoline engine usage. Technicians should review the maintenance intervals of popular hybrid models and inform owners of the recommended oil change intervals and maintenance practices during their visit. It’s also essential to remind customers that they still need to check their oil regularly, just like they would for a gasoline-powered vehicle. Regular oil checks are still necessary to catch early signs of sludge buildup and monitor engine health.
  • Transmission fluid: Many hybrid vehicles use Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). This is a type of automatic transmission that utilizes a system of pulleys and a belt or chains, rather than fixed gears, to transfer power. It’s ideal for hybrid vehicles that use power from both the gasoline and electric engines. A CVT also enhances fuel efficiency. However, they require specific maintenance using a CVT-compatible transmission fluid to ensure they remain in good working order.
  • Cooling fluids: Both the engine and the battery pack in a hybrid vehicle generate heat that needs to be cooled off. Some hybrids have dedicated cooling systems for their batteries, while others utilize shared systems. It is essential to regularly check and replace the coolant used in hybrid vehicles to ensure proper cooling.
  • Brake fluid: Regenerative braking plays a significant role in hybrid vehicle operation, capturing energy during braking and storing it in the battery. While this system is highly efficient, it also puts unique demands on the braking system. Hybrid vehicles may require more frequent checks of brake fluid levels and condition to ensure the braking system remains effective.

Key hybrid maintenance tips for quick lube operators
If you want to successfully service hybrids in your shop and capture that customer base, these tips can help.

  1. Invest in hybrid-specific training: Educating your team about the unique systems in hybrid vehicles, such as the electric motor, regenerative braking, and cooling systems, is essential. However, it is also necessary to learn about the various lubrication needs of these vehicles and the products that can meet these needs. Investing in specialized hybrid training for your technicians and incorporating hybrid-specific lubricants into your shop is essential for growing this aspect of your business.
  2. Offer hybrid-specific services and market them: Providing hybrid-specific routine maintenance services can help your shop stand out from competitors. Consider offering specialized services, such as battery inspections, fluid checks, and hybrid-specific oil changes, to attract hybrid vehicle owners. Make sure you market these services to your customers and have your technicians offer additional hybrid maintenance services to customers during the intake process.
  3. Promote eco-friendly services: Hybrid owners value eco-friendly service options and businesses that share their values. Highlighting your eco-friendly initiatives in your business marketing can showcase this to potential customers. You can also upsell customers to use high-quality, environmentally friendly lubrication products during their maintenance service.
  4. Take advantage of hybrid incentives: In California, owners of hybrid and electric vehicles may be eligible for local incentives and rebates. You can look for eligible offers on the Drive Clean website from the California Air Resources Board. These incentives can vary regionally, so it’s essential to stay informed about these programs. Sharing information with your customers about these offers is also a great way to attract new customers to your quick lube shop or enhance the value of your services for existing customers.

We’re your partners in hybrid maintenance
At Greg’s Petroleum Service, we offer the highest-quality fuels and lubricants, including Chevron’s complete line of products, to ensure that quick lube operators have the necessary tools to service hybrid vehicles. We are also a Valvoline Lubricants Supplier, and from engine oils and transmission fluids to coolants and fuel additives, we have the products designed to meet the specific lubrication and maintenance needs of hybrid vehicles. Many of our customers are quick-lube operators seeking competitive advantages. Offering hybrid vehicle services can expand your business’s customer base. Our team is here to help your shop meet the demands of hybrid vehicle maintenance. To learn more about the hybrid vehicle products we can add to your shop’s order, reach out to your Greg’s Petroleum representative today.