Toyota hybrid servicing and checks

Toyota hybrids have an excellent reputation for reliability, and plenty of the Prius, Auris, Yaris and C-HR models we see from Selly Oak, Cotteridge and Kings Norton have covered huge mileages as private hire cars. They still need servicing, though, and a hybrid has a few extra parts that a standard service checklist can miss.

The best-known weak point is the electric water pump that cools the inverter on the third-generation Prius (2009–2015) and the Auris Hybrid that shares its drivetrain. When it fails, the inverter overheats and the car shows a hybrid system warning and can lose drive. The pump is quiet when it is working, so we check it is running and that the separate inverter coolant is in good condition.

The hybrid battery has its own cooling fan, drawing air from inside the cabin. On cars that carry pets, passengers or a lot of dust, its filter and fan clog up, the battery runs hot and its life suffers. Cleaning the fan and filter is quick and cheap by comparison with a battery. The 12V auxiliary battery also deserves attention — when it weakens, a hybrid can refuse to switch into "Ready" and appear to be dead.

Because hybrids use regenerative braking, the brake pads last a long time, but the calipers and sliders can seize from lack of use. We check them at every service. Our honest advice is simple: a hybrid serviced properly will keep going for a very long time, and small checks now are far cheaper than hybrid system repairs later.