Your Guide To Electric Car Servicing

It’s no secret that the electric vehicle revolution is here, and while many of us immediately think of the environmental and financial benefits of owning one, it may come secondary to think about how the maintenance of them differs from petrol and diesel cars. Part of responsible vehicle ownership is keeping up to date with your servicing - so how does electric car servicing work? 

With a network of electric vehicle service centres in East Anglia, we know a thing or two about keeping your electric vehicle performing at its best. After all, we send many new and used electric cars to their new homes from MG, Kia and Mazda, so it makes sense that we can look after them into the future. 

What does electric car servicing involve? 

You may have heard that there are fewer moving parts under the bonnet of an EV than that of a car powered by a combustion engine, and we’re pleased to say that’s true; it contributes to some of those financial benefits we spoke of in terms of repairs. 

Servicing largely revolves around the combustion engine for traditionally fuelled vehicles, but there are still elements of your EV that need regular attention. Here’s what is generally covered in an electric vehicle service: 

Braking system

Regardless of their fuel type, the brakes are obviously vital to every car. A service on an EV should involve checking for wear and tear on parts such as the brake pads and the brake discs; the brake fluid should also be replaced around every two years.

Battery and cables 

To ensure the smooth running of your vehicle, the battery and its associated electrical components should be checked, and as the source of power, this area is one of the main parts of an electric vehicle service. 

As part of the procedure, the battery will be hooked up to diagnostic equipment, which will show any faults, and a visual inspection should be carried out to the cabling - the technician will be looking for any damage or signs of degradation. 

Tyres and suspension 

Problems with tyres and suspension can become a real issue (or even illegal) if they’re not regularly checked on, and as parts responsible for contact and impact, they’ll wear over time. At your service, your technician will check that your EV’s tyres are in good condition, meeting the legal minimum tread requirement of 1.6mm. They’ll also check that your suspension system hasn’t fallen victim to those problem potholes. 

Cooling system

Your EV will have a cooling system, usually a liquid one, and its important job is to stop your battery from overheating. As part of the service, leaks should be checked for, and the coolant topped up if necessary. 

Air conditioning

In hot weather, we need our air con, and it’s become a part of our car that many of us can’t live without. To function properly, the air conditioning needs to keep you cool, as well as keep allergens at bay, but leaks in the system and a clogged-up air filter could stop it from working as they should. This should all be checked at your EV’s service.

Sundries 

As standard, sundries such as your lights, bulbs, fluid levels and windscreen wiper health are on your EV’s service checklist; these are car servicing basics!

What is the maintenance schedule for an electric vehicle?

Without a combustion engine, an electric vehicle doesn’t need an oil change, as there’s no oil present. However, as we’ve mentioned, there are checks that need to be carried out on your electric vehicle at certain stages of its life, and the service is still an opportunity to keep an eye on wear and tear. Therefore, your electric vehicle will still come with a service schedule - and it will usually be annually, or at a certain mileage interval, whichever comes first, just like on a petrol or diesel car.

For example, electric Kias such as the KIA Soul Electric require a service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. 

Where should I get my electric car serviced?

We would always suggest heading to a manufacturer-approved service centre, of which EMG’s service centres are. We’ve filled our workshops with knowledgeable technicians, the latest diagnostic equipment, and OEM parts to ensure your electric vehicle is in the safest hands. 

Can you service an electric car yourself? 

As your car is in possession of a high-voltage battery, you must not try to carry out an EV service yourself. Manufacturer-trained technicians can help keep your car in excellent health for as long as possible, so it works out much better, in the long run, to invest in the correct maintenance. 

Do I need to get an electric car MOTd? 

Yes! Like petrol and diesel vehicles, your car will need an MOT once it reaches 3 years old in order to keep it legally on the road and taxable. 

Choose EMG for your electric vehicle service in East Anglia

As Approved Repairers for Kia, Mazda, Nissan, MG, Ford, Vauxhall, Mitsubishi, Citroën and Hyundai, we’re proud to undertake electric vehicle servicing here in East Anglia. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the servicing requirements for your electric vehicle, so you can motor around worry-free, as well as emissions-free!