Did you know the first hybrid engine was invented in 1899? Since 1999 over 1.5 million hybrid vehicles have been sold in the US. A hybrid car still has a gasoline (or diesel) engine, but it also has a high power battery that at times takes all or part of the load off the gasoline engine. As we all know, this saves fuel and is the main selling point for these vehicles. It takes less fuel to produce the electricity to recharge the battery than to put the equivalent amount of gas in the car.
Because hybrids have conventional engines, people are going to work on them as they do now, but there is a difference. In conventional cars, the battery does not produce enough electricity to cause major injury. In a hybrid, the much more powerful battery can cause injury and in some kinds of battery even death, if proper safety procedures are not followed. So before you open the hood on your hybrid, make sure you read the owner’s manual and pay attention to the safety warnings. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
The power is not necessarily off, just because the engine is not running. Make sure the ignition is off and the high powered batteries are disconnected before you do any work. If there is a ready light make sure it is off. Not only can you be shocked by the power, but in some cars if the battery is low, the engine will automatically come on to recharge it. What a surprise that could be!!
Wait 15 minutes after disconnecting the batteries before you do any work. There may be capacitors that store electricity and they need time to discharge. Your owner’s manual may even have a procedure to discharge capacitors.
Under the hood there may be parts that are in the current loop when the power is on, but are not insolated. Do not assume that you are protected from shock.
Wear gloves, but regular garage gloves are not good enough. You need rubber Class 00 gloves rated to insulate 1000 volts. Inspect your gloves each time you use them to make sure there are no pin holes or tears that might expose you to current.
Some cars have all of the potentially hot wires in one color. Orange is popular, but not universal. Learn the color for your car, and stay away from those wires.
Keep children away from the car while you are working on it. They are naturally curious and want to “help,” but this is definitely one time to give them something else to do.
If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in a collision, safety devices are supposed to disable the power, but it is wise to be careful. If your car can be damaged, so can its safety devices. Safety devices are supposed to fail is a safe condition, but still…
If you are stuck in the car and first responders are helping you, help them by making sure they know your car is a hybrid, so they can use procedures to get you out without hurting them or you.
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