Hybrid and electric cars are becoming more and more popular in America as the technology advances, prices lower and concern for the environment increases. According to HybridCars.com, in 2013 nearly half a million hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) were purchased in the United States. The Toyota Prius still lead the pack in sales, but other car manufacturers are quickly catching up including Ford and Lexus.

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Despite the growth in popularity, less than 200,000 of the total HEV sales in 2015 were for fully electric cars. The hybrid vehicle still dominates the market, with its minimal, but still existent, dependence on gasoline. Infrastructure is partly to blame for this fact. The United States still lags behind other countries in terms of electric car charging stations. Not to mention, the average American commuter is driving further each day than their European counterparts, for example, making battery life a bigger issue than it is elsewhere.

Researchers at Edmunds point out that owners of hybrid vehicles should know that “the gasoline engine in a hybrid vehicle requires the same maintenance that it would if it were the only power source driving the vehicle. That means regular tune-ups and oil changes every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.” That also means that hybrid vehicles are susceptible to the same kind of issues, breakdowns, and vulnerabilities as a standard gas-powered car. And fully electric cars are susceptible to their own array of mechanical and technological issues that could leave you stranded by the side of the road.

This information is important for anyone who may be considering purchasing an HEV to keep in mind. Even if you plan to ditch your old gas-guzzler, don’t make the mistake of tossing out your roadside assistance plan with it. Most roadside assistance plans cover HEVs the same way they do traditional cars. Companies such as Best Roadside Service offer travelers emergency roadside help if their hybrid or electric vehicle breaks down, runs out of battery life (or gas in the case of a hybrid), needs additional fluids, gets a flat tire or many other common issues. Best Roadside Service even includes gas delivery in their membership rates, in case your battery and gas tank run out and leave you stranded.

These plans also include discounts to major national car maintenance shops such as Aamco, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and more. This is important, as Edmunds reminds us, because HEVs need the same kind of regular maintenance as a traditional car. Getting oil changes, tune ups and fluids topped off will keep your HEV investment running well, and a roadside assistance plan will help you save money maintaining your car.

All that savings on gas and maintenance may also give you the funds to take a road trip or vacation. Best Roadside Service offers its members discounts on travel including discounts to theme parks, hotels, and other attractions as well as coupons to places all over the US. And if you need help navigating, they also offer members customized map routing as well as access to a 24-hour emergency hotline you can call for turn by turn directions or roadside assistance, in case you get lost or break down.

If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle, you’ve probably done a lot of research and consider yourself a conscientious consumer. We recommend you do your research on roadside assistance plans as well to see what companies are offering the best services and benefits for the money. Just remember that regardless of which HEV you decide to get behind the wheel of, don’t drive it off that lot without covering yourself or your vehicle with a roadside assistance plan.

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