If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid car in Brockville, it can be a great way to save on mileage and reduce your environmental footprint. However, unlike traditional vehicles that rely solely on gasoline, hybrid cars handle a little differently, so we’ve collected some important things to consider and be aware of before purchasing your hybrid car.
At 1000 Islands Toyota, we have a wide inventory of new and pre-owned hybrid vehicles. Here are some things to make note of while you’re shopping online or when you visit the showroom.
One of the first things many drivers who switch from traditional vehicles to hybrid cars notice is that when braking, a hybrid car drives differently. This is because all hybrid vehicles employ a regenerative braking technique that captures the vehicle’s inertia from the motors and stores it in its battery pack to be used as energy at a later time. This helps increase a hybrid car’s efficiency. However, it does make braking feel slightly different, especially if you’re used to driving solely gas-powered vehicles. The brake pedal may feel a bit more artificial or “grabbier,” but most drivers find they quickly get used to it after driving their new hybrid a short time.
In addition to the braking feeling a little different, the acceleration of your hybrid will as well. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that while driving the car’s battery and motor are communicating back and forth, and the electric drive motor will drive differently. Shifting will also take some getting used to because hybrid cars boast different transmissions than regular vehicles. The most common complaints new hybrid drivers have when they’re getting used to their car include a delayed response time when accelerating.
However, these days, most hybrid car manufacturers have refined their designs. Toyota has improved its hybrid design to boost smoothness and responsiveness.
Since both braking and acceleration are different from regular internal-combustion cars, that means your driving habits will affect your performance and fuel mileage. Hybrids typically work best for mixed driving in the city, so that the regenerative brakes have plenty of opportunity to work. You'll see the best fuel savings in stop-and-go traffic. On the other hand, longer cruises down the highway will rely on the gas motor, and use more fuel - but you'll still save some money, and enjoy a smooth quiet ride.
One advantage of hybrids is that many models don't need to be plugged in. Self-charging models simply recharge themselves through regenerative braking, and you simply have to keep the fuel tank full, like normal.
That said, if you want more options, you could also choose a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), which allows you to select between running off either gas or electricity. The battery is large enough to provide short all-electric trips, cutting your gas costs substantially for basic runs. However, for most drivers, a standard hybrid is more convenient.
It’s no secret that every car sounds and handles a little differently, no matter what type it is, and hybrid cars are certainly no exception. When driving a new hybrid you might hear some unexpected sounds that will take some getting used to, such as the fact that when you start the car it relies solely on electric propulsion; this makes hardly any sound at all. Unlike turning over the ignition in a regular vehicle and accelerating, this process in hybrids is often whisper-quiet.
Some hybrid transmissions or power-split systems enable the gasoline engine to rev more than a traditional vehicle, without the familiar gear shifting and drop in RPMs. This is because, essentially, the engine in a hybrid vehicle is designed to keep it in the most efficient RPM range. Additionally, when the engine is in use, it might sound louder inside the vehicle than normal because to boost efficiency, vehicle insulation on hybrids is often sacrificed in favor of keeping them lighter, thus more efficient.
In addition to the unexpected sounds mentioned above, some new hybrid cars also come equipped with pedestrian warning sounds that are electronically generated from the vehicle at certain speeds. These sounds are already quite common in many electric and hybrid vehicles and are expected to eventually become a requirement for all of them.
Another benefit to investing in a hybrid car is that it will likely require less maintenance when it comes to the brake system. Since the regenerative braking technology hybrids use also slows the vehicle without friction, brake pads receive much less wear and tear than they would in a normal vehicle because they come into less contact with the brake drums. This means that the components need to be replaced much less frequently.
This is a consideration for those living in areas with harsher winter. With a hybrid car, you’ll notice a significant drop in mileage during the winter (approximately 30-34%). This is because non-hybrid cars are much less efficient than hybrid vehicles for a number of reasons. Firstly, colder lubricants and other fluids result in more friction, slicker roads will waste fuel due to tough or compromised traction, and the gasoline used during winter has less energy per gallon than grades of gasoline used in warmer weather. Lastly, traditional engines run at a higher RPM or longer to maintain the right pollution controls and temperature.
All that said, don't worry: all cars sold here in Canada are designed with our weather in mind. Their battery systems and other components are tested and rated for low temperatures. Outside of the mileage, you'll have no other problems. Your hybrid will still start reliably, even in the middle of winter, and give you great performance all year.
Lastly, but certainly not least, one of the leading benefits of investing in a hybrid vehicle is that you’ll receive a much longer powertrain warranty than other cars boast. Most of today’s most popular hybrids will offer a powertrain warranty that lasts from around 8-10 years or up to 100,000 miles. In fact, Toyota even offers protection for its hybrid battery pack up to 150,000 miles. However, it is important to note that when it comes to hybrid batteries, they can lose their efficiency and capacity over time. Throughout the course of the lifetime of a hybrid battery, you can expect it to lose about 20% of its capacity. But even this doesn't drastically affect the vehicle’s efficiency, it will only cause a slight drop.
Some people are put off by the higher initial price of hybrids - but remember that a hybrid will save you money year-round! You'll save on fuel with every trip, plus they need less maintenance. You'll be seeing lower brake wear, fewer oil changes, and fewer trips to the shop overall. Across the life of your vehicle, this will add up to substantial savings in time and money.
Another financial consideration is your hybrid's resale value. As hybrids and other EVs grow in popularity in Canada, prices on used hybrid cars remain high. Toyota's hybrids like the RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid, are especially popular because of their excellent reliability in Canadian winters. So, your Toyota hybrid will tend to hold its value, and bring you more when it's time to sell or trade-in.
Not all dealers are created equal! To get the most from your Toyota hybrid, look for a fully certified Toyota dealer who offers proper OEM parts and accessories. At 1000 Islands Toyota, our technicians are factory-trained to provide the best in repair and upgrade services, ensuring the best possible performance from your Toyota hybrid car for a long time to come. You'll appreciate the improved service and customer support, while potentially adding years to your car's life.
If you’re in the market for a hybrid car, 1000 Islands Toyota has a great inventory to choose from, in addition to our other new and used 2026 models. Additionally, now you can shop from home with our virtual showroom and even take a virtual test drive to help you make up your mind.
We also offer financing for those in need, as well as offer collision services and more. Contact us today for more information about our services or call (613) 342-9111.