Hybrid Vehicles for Long-Distance Travel: Do They Require Special Maintenance?
JAKARTA – As the homecoming season approaches, many vehicle owners are beginning to prepare their cars for long-distance travel to ensure the journey remains safe and comfortable. This also applies to owners of hybrid vehicles, which are now increasingly used in Indonesia.
Some people still wonder whether hybrid vehicles require special treatment before being used for long journeys such as the Lebaran holiday exodus.
Budi Darmawan Jantania, Vice Country Director of the Chery Business Unit at PT Chery Sales Indonesia, stated that hybrid vehicle batteries fundamentally do not require special treatment before being used for long-distance travel. According to him, hybrid batteries function as components that store and distribute high-voltage electrical power to the electric motor.
This system has been designed with battery management technology capable of automatically monitoring its condition and performance.
Budi explained that the most important thing to ensure is that the hybrid battery can charge and supply electricity properly when needed. “Inspections at an authorised workshop can help ensure the entire hybrid system, including the battery management system, operates normally so that the journey remains safe, efficient, and comfortable,” he said.
Similar comments were made by Arif Nugroho, Service Manager at Hyundai Kalijaga Cirebon. Arif stated that hybrid vehicles fundamentally do not require treatment significantly different from conventional engine vehicles before being used for long-distance travel. “For hybrid vehicles, there is no special treatment that differs greatly from conventional vehicles,” said Arif.
Nevertheless, there are several matters that should still be considered before undertaking a long-distance journey. Check the petrol engine components such as engine oil and filters, as hybrid vehicles still use conventional engines as a power source.
Additionally, drivers are also advised to ensure the hybrid battery cooling system functions properly so that battery temperature remains stable during the journey.
Arif added that, in general, hybrid vehicles are designed to handle long-distance travel without requiring additional preparation that is overly complicated. “Hybrid vehicles are fundamentally designed for long-distance travel without additional special preparation,” he said.
In other words, as long as the vehicle undergoes regular maintenance and the hybrid system is in normal condition, hybrid vehicles can be used for homecoming journeys safely just like conventional vehicles.