Electrical vehicles (EVs) may initially cost more to buy than their traditional counterparts, but they’re generally cheaper in the long run due to requiring less maintenance. But how often should you get your electric car serviced? We’ll explore the answer to this and basic servicing protocols in the rest of this article.
An electric vehicle must be serviced at least once or twice a year. These service sessions ensure optimal battery performance and also ensure the smooth running of the tires and the vehicle control system. Each manufacturer has its own schedule for servicing an EV.
An electric vehicle automatically eliminates the hassle of maintaining over two dozen mechanical parts such as air filters, spark plugs, dry belts, etc. This is how it saves its owner a lot of money on maintenance.
However, EV maintenance isn’t entirely free, and you do need to keep up with regular checks and at least twice a year of service to keep it in top shape.
How Often Are Different Components Of An EV Serviced?
An electric car’s engine is relatively simple compared to a petrol or combustion engine with less than 20 components. This doesn’t mean it won’t require to be looked at because a car’s service is more than just the engine.
Every manufacturer has its set schedule for when an EV will need servicing as a whole or for different parts. Below is a reasonably average servicing timeline for most electrical vehicles:
| Duration | Service Required |
| Monthly | Check tire pressure Check tire wear and tear Check windshield wiper fluid and adjust as required |
| Every 7500 Miles | Rotate tires Check coolant levels for cabin heater, battery, and power inverter, Inspect brakes Visually, inspect chassis, steering, and suspension components for any damage, Check the airbags system, Check drive shafts, half shafts, and power steering for signs of excessive leaking. Lubricate components like door locks. Check the suspension for any signs of high wear and tear. Check the accelerator paddle for any damage or wear and tear |
| Twice a Year | Use plain water to flush salts and corrosion from the underbody of your EV |
| Every 15000 Miles | Replace windshield wiper blades |
| Every 36000 Miles | Replace cabin air filter |
| Every 75000 Miles | Replace hood/ body lift support gas struts |
| Every 5 Years | Replace brake fluid Drain and fill coolant circuits |
| Every 7 Years | Change air conditioning desiccant |
What Parts Of An Electric Vehicle Need Servicing?
Let’s take a look at the different parts that are looked at during a servicing session:
Engine
No moving parts mean there won’t be oil, filter, and water pump changes. A diagnostic machine will run a simple check to ensure there are no incorrect codes.
Battery
Next comes the battery, which has no moving parts and is super low maintenance. Each cell will be checked for corrosion or damage through the machine.
Electrical Cables
These large orange cables run on a high voltage and hardly come in contact with road debris, so there is very little chance of damage. However, the technicians will still give them a thorough inspection to ensure there is no damage.
Transmission
An EV’s transmission is the part that requires the least or no maintenance with just a single reduction gear and differential. It’s less complex than a twin-clutch or a normal multi-ratio manual or automatic clutch.
Manufacturers also use synthetic oils for lubrication in an electric vehicle’s transmission, which seals the deal and makes the transmission potentially maintenance-free for life.
Cooling System
The cooling system keeps the battery at the desired temperature even if the motor runs at high speed. This also requires a minimum inspection to ensure the fluid levels are correct.
Brakes
Regenerative braking means the electric motor’s resistance slows down the car. This results in the traditional friction brakes requiring fewer pad and disc changeouts. The weight of the EV will require the hydraulic system to work harder, which means you will need to have the brake fluid changed at least twice a year.
Heating And Ventilation System
The cabin air filter will need to be changed regularly, and the entire heating and venting system will be checked for any maintenance or upgrades required.
Suspension And Tires
An EV has extra mass, which means that the tires will experience more wear and tear than usual. The overall suspension and steering system will also be checked for optimal running.
Where Should You Get Your Electric Car Serviced?
EVs aren’t complicated. However, the high voltage parts can require special and expert care if damage occurs or a replacement is needed. Right now, this means that owners will likely need to go to an authorized dealer for their maintenance needs.
Although some models are now over a decade old, and that means there are specialist workshops that have opened up for their maintenance, it’s still better to approach your EV’s company dealerships for work.
This is because these experts will know the machinery better and also know what safety protocols to take while working on your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does An Electric Car’s Battery Last?
Most manufacturers claim their electric car battery will last 5-8 years. However, research suggests they can last more than 10-20 years before they need to be replaced.
2. Does An Electric Car Lose Charging When Parked?
Electric cars lose charge when parked, but the loss is minimal. However, it has the potential to add up over time. It is always recommended to charge your car up to 80% before parking, and it should be 50% charged before storage.
3. Does Cold Weather Affect Electric Cars?
The lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars don’t perform well in cold temperatures. When the car’s interior is kept warm while the outside temperature goes below 15° F, the battery suffers a good amount of drain.
Check out our guide above to see how often you should check your battery.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicles are gradually becoming the norm as fuel prices hike and maintenance costs become expensive for traditional cars. It is essential to have your EV serviced on time to elongate its life. We hope our shared tips and schedules can help you better care of your electric car!
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