The Automotive Blog

With the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, the demand from workshops for correctly insulated tools has grown significantly.

A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle for example a conventional internal combustion engine and also a high voltage electric motor. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. However, other mechanisms to capture and use energy may also be included, such as diesel-electric trains which are powered by both diesel engine and electric motor and submarines that use diesel engines to power the rotors and also to charge batteries that power the craft when submerged.

So is your garage ready? Does your car / van MOT garage have the necessary tools to guard against the dangers of electrocution from hybrid-electric vehicles?

Mechanics should be cautious when working on hybrid vehicles because hybrid vehicles use a combination of a petrol motor and a high-voltage electric motor. The electric motor operates on voltages as high as 500 volts, that’s more than eight times the lethal voltage. Be ready for anything. Don’t be caught worrying about the “what ifs” while working on these vehicles.

aide automotive’s Hybrid Service & Test Tool Kit is ideal for servicing and general maintenance of Hybrid vehicles systems. Used by auto-technicians and HSE compliant to ensure safety. At present this is the only kit of it’s kind for auto-servicing professionals, the Hybrid Vehicle Service & Test Tool Kit is the natural choice for small and large garage operations. This is suitable for use on all Hybrid vehicles, when the term hybrid vehicle is used, it most often refers to a Hybrid electric vehicle. These encompass such vehicles as the Saturn Vue, Toyota Prius, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and 450h and others.

aide automotive’s Hybrid Car Service & Test Tool Kit Contains:
CAT III 1000V Multimeter, Cables, Probes, Clips and Magnetic Hanging Strap.
CAT III 1000V Protective Gloves
HSE Approved Warning Sign
8mm & 10mm CAT III Insulated Spanners
10mm CAT III nut spinner
Boric Acid Solution (for emergency spillage protection).

Hybrid Car Electric Vehicle Tool Kit – enables safe isolation of all high voltage systems.

Contact aide automotive to review or purchase your Hybrid Car Service & Test Tool Kit today! Call 0115 8456471

Hybrid Car Safe To Service Multi meter & Tools

Purchase A Hybrid / Electric Car Multimeter For Automotive Diagnostics

aide automotive have now introduced the Hybrid Multimeter as a single purchase item.

The Hybrid / Electric Car Amprobe is a CAT III safety rated, auto ranging digital multimeter designed for automotive diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. Whether your shop services automotive, fleet, motorcycle, marine or small engine, the Amprobe 37XR-A has the capability to keep up with your business.

Hybrid electric vehicles have high-voltage components. Use this tool on hybrid vehicles only if:

You are trained in high-voltage electrical system repair on hybrid electric vehicles.

You have read and follow the OEM manufacturers approved hybrid electric vehicle service procedures due to the high voltages in hybrid vehicles

You are using the CAT III / 1000V rated leads included with this kit.

You are wearing proper protective gear, including Class 0 Type 1 electric service gloves that are free from defects/faults and that meet ASTM D120 standards and protect up to 1000 Volts AC / 1500 Volts DC.

As well as the Amprobe Hybrid Multimeter, aide automotive offer a complete Health & Safety Tool Kit for the complete requirement to maintain Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

This Hybrid & Electric CAT III & II Multimeter costs just £114.95 + vat

Contact aide automotive to review or purchase your Hybrid Vehicle Diagnostic Tools today! Call 0115 8456471

Hybrid Or Electric Car Safe to Service Tool Kit

Hybrid Car Shut Down Process Film

Blue Print has published a film to demonstrate the hybrid shut down process on the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and Lexus CT200h models.

The brand warns that the de-energisation procedure must be carried out for your own safety.

Under no circumstances should you work on the high voltage system without the correct equipment and wearing the correct protective clothing, as you will be exposed to voltages in excess of 200V which can cause death or very serious injury.

See the Hybrid Car Service Guidance Film Here

An increasing number of independent garages are now able to service hybrid cars like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius

More than 1,000 garages across the UK have received hybrid awareness courses from the Independent Garage Association. Most of the servicing is routine, but mechanics need training in how to cope with high voltage and safety systems before being allowed to work on hybrids.

aide automotive’s Hybrid Vehicle Service Tool Kit is ideal for servicing and general maintenance of Hybrid vehicles systems. At present this is the only kit of it’s kind for auto-servicing professionals, the Hybrid Vehicle Service & Test Tool Kit is the natural choice for small and large garage operations.

This cost effective kit offers quality 1000 Volt rated tools including a multi meter and CAT III 1000 Volt protective gloves.

Contact aide automotive to review or purchase your Hybrid Car Service & Test Tool Kit today! Call 0115 8456471

Hybrid Vehicle Service Tool Kit is ideal for servicing and general maintenance of Hybrid vehicles systems.

With the fast emerging market of Hybrid cars, more and more garages are setting up to carry out maintenance.

aide automotive have introduced a Safe to Service Kit to disable the high voltage system and to help garages acquire the correct SAFE tools.

Hybrid cars have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. It is important to follow standard safety precautions for each.

Matthew Burke stated “at aide automotive we are continually looking at new markets and products, Hybrid cars are going to be a massive new market and the tools required to repair them are specialised which fits into our product range.”

Electric engines typically run on higher voltages than traditional cars do. Mechanics and technicians must use specialized safety equipment when working on these cars. Safety tools for hybrid vehicles include specialized rescue and escape tools, non-conductive hand tools.

Trained and certified mechanics and technicians should perform service and maintenance on hybrid cars. A category III certified digital volt/ohm meter (DVOM) is used to test for stray electric current after the high-voltage system has been disabled. High-voltage gloves, rated at 1,000 volts or higher, should be certified and checked every 6 months. A full-face shield and a rubber apron also are recommended for anyone working on a hybrid vehicle. Manufacturers may recommend specialized safety tools for mechanics and technicians.

Non-conductive composite hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, pliers and cutters, are recommended for those working on hybrid vehicles. Welding tools can act as electromagnets that send power through a hybrid system if it has not been correctly deactivated/disabled. Keeping a diluted boric acid solution or vinegar spray on hand can be used to neutralize battery leaks. Litmus paper will help determine if the battery acid has been neutralized.

The Hybrid Safe To Service Kit Contains:

CAT III 1000V Multimeter, Cables, Probes & Clips – Hybrid Safe! CAT III 1000V Protective Gloves Warning Sign 8mm & 10mm CAT III Spanners 10mm CAT III nut spinner Boric Acid Solution.

Contact aide automotive if you require a Hybrid Safe To Service Tool Kit

Safe To Service Hybrod Tool Kit