Servicing Your Electric Car

 

Do you have an electric car or hybrid, and not sure about servicing?  We’re here to help you navigate how to look after your electric vehicle…

What can you do yourself, and when do you need a specialist?

 

Do electric cars need servicing?

 

As with anything with moving parts, if you don’t look after them, they will wear and break or not be as effective.

Regular servicing ensures your car is running at its optimal; maintaining its range, performance and warranty coverage and ensures your vehicle remains reliable and safe on the road.

This thorough inspection ensures any component showing wear can be repaired or replaced before they develop into more serious (and expensive) problems.

Because an EV works differently to its fuel equivalents, the components to be maintained, need to be serviced by a qualified electric vehicle technician.

You should check your manufacturers handbook for service intervals, but the majority are between 10,000-20,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

 

What can I expect in a Service?

 

Manufacturers can vary slightly and include checks unique to their models such as battery cooling lines or regenerative braking systems, but broadly an EV service will typically include:

• Battery health – Inspection of the high-voltage battery condition, charge capacity, and connectors
• Brake system – Pads, discs, brake fluid levels, and brake operation
• Cooling system – Check coolant levels for the battery (and motor where applicable). The cooling system is a vital part of the system is keeping the temperature of the battery regulated.  If not, the issues range from accelerated degradation or reduced range to a catastrophic failure.
• Tyres and wheels – Tread depth, pressure, condition, and wear pattern
• Steering and suspension – Components checked for wear, damage, or misalignment
• Lights and electrics – All exterior and interior lights, indicators, and infotainment systems tested
• Charging port – Inspected for wear, corrosion, or damage
• Software updates – System diagnostics and software updates applied where needed
• Cabin air filter – Replaced, if necessary, for optimal ventilation and air quality
• Wipers and windscreen – Checked for effectiveness and visibility

Some of these areas are possible to maintain through a regular garage, but many people choose specialists.

 

Maintenance Tips

 

As with all cars, it is advisable to look after your car and conduct your own checks to ensure that all is functioning well between services, such as:

 

Check your battery’s state of charge

The battery is the most significant part of an EV.  You can help prolong the lifespan of your battery and maintain its efficiency.  If you can, try and ensure it is consistently charged between 25-75%.  Keep the battery clean and free of debris and check for wear and tear.

 

Check your charging port and cables

Without effective hardware, you risk not being able to charge the car.  Keep your EV port clean, inspect the cables for damage making sure they are stored properly.

 

Read your Handbook and Service Schedule

Make sure you are aware of the manufacturer’s recommendations for:  charging guidelines, component checks, coolant and lubrication maintenance, etc.

If you can’t remember your servicing schedule, set up reminders to alert you.  Some garages will do this for you.

 

Check your brakes

Whilst EV’s typically experience less wear and tear than traditional brake components, they still need maintaining.

Check brake fluid condition and inspect brake pads and discs.

 

Inspect your tyres

EV’s can be heavy, and your tyres take a pounding on the roads.

As with other cars check tyre pressures, tread depth (preferably using a gauge) looking for uneven wear across the tyre.  EV’s tend to wear out the front tyres faster, so you may want to consider rotating them front to back.  Be aware of any vibrations or odd noises which could relate to your tyres.

 

Check your fluids

Make sure you keep them topped up to protect the vehicle.  Check coolant levels annually, flush brake fluid every 2 years, inspect gear lubrication.  Always check the owner’s manual for schedules.

 

Check for Software Updates

Much like computers and mobile phones, the EV manufacturers rely heavily on software to maintain performance.  Enable automatic updates, manually check for updates, and understand the update changes!

 

Do I have to take my EV back to a Main Dealer?

Many garages will not have the right equipment to service your EV, so many drivers return to the dealership they purchased it from.  However, there is a growing number of independent garages who have trained technicians ready to work on your car.  They’re local and save on your pocket!  But it is not always easy to identify who you can trust with your EV.  Look for those who can demonstrate they have received the right level of training (not just introductory training) and who have gained good experience working on EVs.

 

HEVRA (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance)

 

If you are looking for a garage near you with the right qualifications, look on HEVRA.org.uk.

Any garage represented on their website have been checked for the right qualifications, tools and equipment to service and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.

HEVRA also run a full-time dedicated research and development team to find solutions to new problems.  So, not only do you have the experience from your local garage, but an entire network of experts!

And, contrary to popular belief, their network of EV specialist garages can service your electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, regardless of whether the car is still within the manufacturer’s warranty or not.

 

We are delighted that we have a dedicated trained EV team at Redbourn Auto Solutions and are HEVRA members.  So, if you want a convenient and more cost-effective solution to your EV needs, give us a call.  We would be pleased to help you.