A used Toyota® Prius is a smart investment if you’re interested in saving money at the pump and lowering your environmental impact. Hybrids are reliable, efficient vehicles, but like other cars, they’re subject to mechanical issues and may require occasional car repairs. Here are some of the issues you can expect as a Prius owner.

3 Common Prius Repair Needs

1. Battery Performance Issues

Your Prius’s battery is crucial to its fuel-saving capabilities; it allows for the regenerative braking process that conserves energy for low-speed driving. While the batteries used in later models have come a long way from problem-prone early versions, they still require periodic inspections and replacements to ensure they’re safe and efficient to use. If you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, frequent running of the combustion engine, or a failure to hold a charge, speak to a specialist about replacing it.

2. Emission & Exhaust Problems

Like all cars, hybrids come equipped with an evaporative emission control system, or EVAP, which prevents gasoline vapors from entering the atmosphere. Leaks in the fuel tank, fuel cap, or EVAP hoses, as well as faulty purge or vent valves, can cause the check engine light to turn on. This is a simple problem for a car repair specialist, who will assess the issue and replace parts or patch leaks as needed.

3. Oxygen Sensor Failure

Another common exhaust issue is a faulty oxygen sensor. It monitors the oxygen content in your hybrid’s exhaust and determines the amount of fuel the engine must burn for optimal efficiency. If it fails, your car could be burning more fuel than it needs to. If you’re paying more for gas than you’re used to with a hybrid, have your vehicle inspected to determine if the oxygen sensors must be repaired or replaced.

If you’re concerned about mechanical problems or decreased fuel efficiency in your Toyota® Prius, count on the experts at Reprius in Bakersfield, CA, for specialized hybrid car repair. Their team of ASE®-certified technicians has extensive experience and training in addressing common issues in 2001–2015 models. They also offer non-warranty work on later models and other high-voltage battery systems. Learn more about how they can help online, or call (661) 768-8035 to schedule service today.