When owners are confronted with an underperforming hybrid battery pack, replacement is not the only available option. The hybrid battery pack is a source of concern with most hybrid owners, due to the high cost of a replacement. A battery pack tends to last a particular number of years or miles, eventually providing poor performance. Replacing with new and reconditioned are both costly options, though a third option – of battery conditioning offers a significant saving on cost. Bring your hybrid vehicle to Fifth Gear Automotive auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for conditioning of your battery pack by our certified battery conditioning experts.
At a fraction of the cost of a new battery, your battery pack can potentially be restored providing your hybrid like new performance again. Battery conditioning restores performance and economy, and is available at a limited number of locations. Contact Fifth Gear Automotive to schedule this service in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
Signs Your Hybrids Battery Needs Conditioning or Replacement
Hybrid batteries were intended to last the lifetime of the vehicle, and unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. The signs that your hybrid’s battery pack is losing energy and performance include:
- Low Energy
- Reduced Torque
- Rapid Loss of Battery Power
- Limited Performance
- Significant Loss of Gas Mileage
- Heavy Reliance on the Gasoline Engine
Don’t replace your battery, when conditioning can restore your battery pack, vehicle performance and efficiency, while saving you significant money. Battery pack conditioning keeps your car performing in the green performance zone, and justifies all the reasons you purchased it. Contact our hybrid battery specialists in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
Tips To Improve Hybrid Efficiency
Yes, you can actually improve your hybrid’s efficiency. Any vehicle will have better mileage when you accelerate and brake gently. Accelerating your hybrid gradually will maintain electric motor use only, and you will really see the efficiency climb, potentially even beyond the EPA mileage estimates. This is especially beneficial in city driving, when the electric motor is used. Battery Conditioning Explained
Hybrid batteries consist of a number of modules, and when a problem occurs, it is likely in one of these modules. Specialized equipment is connected to the battery performing the Power Test and the Energy Test. The information is then gathered for analysis and diagnostics.
The Power Test
The Power Test analyzes the power capability of the battery pack, how quickly and effectively the modules inside the battery pack can transfer electrical energy in a controlled load test. This data is then analyzed and diagnostics provided.
The Energy Test
Energy capacity directly affects vehicle fuel economy and acceleration performance.
An Energy test determines the capacity of each module by placing them under a controlled load. When the test concludes the information is analyzed.
Once the tests are analyzed, failed modules are replaced. The battery modules are then cycled to increase the power and energy of the modules by completely discharging and restoring to full capacity. This process is repeated two or more times before the battery is conditioned. Other components that support the battery pack system are also checked for proper operation in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Conditioned Battery
Under normal circumstances a conditioned battery pack can provide reliable performance for years when provided by a qualified hybrid battery specialist. Fifth Gear Automotive offers conditioning by our certified hybrid battery technicians in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. Furthermore, the battery pack can be conditioned numerous times without any negative effects. However, the following factors can affect the lifespan of a conditioned battery:
- The age of the battery pack
- Temperatures in the geographical region, elevation and amount of use of the vehicle.
- Whether or not the battery pack has been operated in a profound discharge state.
- Improper service by an unqualified technician.
- The amount of electrolyte leakage.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Warnings
Poor vehicle performance and fuel economy are a warning of a problem with the battery pack. The MIL is only triggered when catastrophic issues and battery failure is at hand. Batteries that have triggered a MIL warning may not be salvageable with conditioning. The provision of routine battery testing in certified battery conditioning auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX can ensure the ability to condition the battery pack.
Battery conditioning isn’t always possible for a hybrid battery pack, requiring battery replacement. In either case the certified mechanics of Fifth Gear Automotive’s auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX will assist you with your automotive service needs. Contact us for questions or to schedule service.