Every car needs tires, brakes, wipers and a regular look-over. Beyond that, maintenance depends a lot on what powers the car. Knowing the differences helps you budget correctly and avoid paying for services your car does not need.
Gasoline cars
The familiar routine: oil and filter changes, air filters, spark plugs at long intervals (often 60,000 to 100,000 miles), and either a timing belt replacement at the specified mileage or a timing chain that usually lasts much longer. Direct-injection engines can build up carbon deposits on the intake valves over time, and some turbocharged engines are sensitive to oil quality, so follow the specification in your manual.
Diesel cars
Diesels share most of the routine, plus some extras. Fuel filters need changing to protect the injection system. Modern diesels have a particulate filter (DPF) that cleans itself by burning off soot during longer drives; cars used only for short trips can have DPF problems. Many also use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF, AdBlue in Europe), which must be topped up. Diesels are a good fit for long-distance and towing use, less so for short city trips.
Hybrids
Full hybrids are often cheaper to maintain than people expect. The engine works less, many use a simple gearbox, and regenerative braking means brake pads can last a very long time. On the other hand, the brakes may need cleaning and lubrication because they are used less and can corrode. The hybrid battery has its own cooling system, often with a small fan and filter near the rear seat that should be kept clear of dust and pet hair. Our article on the benefits of hybrid cars covers reliability.
Electric cars
EVs have no oil, spark plugs, exhaust or timing belt, so scheduled maintenance is short: tires, cabin filter, brake fluid, coolant for the battery system at long intervals, and software updates. Tires tend to wear faster because EVs are heavy and deliver strong torque, so rotate them regularly. To keep the battery healthy, most makers suggest avoiding regular charging to 100 percent or leaving the car at a very low charge for long periods, unless the manual says otherwise.
High-voltage systems should only be handled by trained technicians.
Plug-in hybrids
Plug-in hybrids need both sets of care. If you drive mostly on electricity, the gas engine may rarely run, and fuel can go stale; some cars run the engine automatically from time to time to prevent problems.
Whatever you drive, the owner’s manual is the best guide. For general habits that apply to every car, see long-term car care, and for choosing your next drivetrain, whether electric is the future.
