Many hybrid owners think that their hybrid is just like any other car, only with better fuel economy. That's understandable, since hybrids have been sold as being "no different", to keep people from being scared by a new technology.

But, as time goes on and hybrids age, it is very clear that they should NOT be treated as a conventional car. They not only need less maintenance, but they need different maintenance.

Nothing is as discouraging as having people coming in, for example with a Prius, who have been sold unneeded belts and radiator hoses, while their 12 volt battery fails, or their brakes need cleaning (so they will last the life of the car). These are symptoms of treating a Prius like it is a Tacoma, or a Corolla. And that is easy to do if you don't understand hybrids.