EV Guide
Electric Vehicle Service & Maintenance — What Car Owners Need to Know
EVs need less servicing overall but require specialist knowledge. Here is what to maintain, what to watch, and how to find the right garage.
What EVs Still Need Serviced
- Brake fluid — hydraulic brakes still wear (though regenerative braking slows pad wear)
- Tyres — EVs are heavier; check pressure and wear more frequently
- Cabin air filter — replace every 1–2 years depending on environment
- Coolant — the battery thermal management system uses coolant that needs periodic checking
- Wiper fluid and wipers — same as any vehicle
- Annual battery health check — monitor capacity loss over time
What is Different from Petrol Cars
- No engine oil changes — there is no combustion engine
- No timing belt or chain to replace
- No exhaust system to service
- Regenerative braking significantly reduces brake pad wear
- Software updates are part of maintenance — check for OTA updates regularly
- High-voltage system requires certified technicians — not all garages are qualified
Battery Care Tips
- Charge between 20% and 80% for daily use — only charge to 100% for long trips
- Avoid repeated DC fast charging if not necessary — it generates more heat
- Park in shade or a garage in hot climates where possible — heat degrades batteries faster
- Do not leave the battery at 0% for extended periods
- Enable scheduled charging to charge during off-peak hours
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Significant reduction in range on a fully charged battery
- Charging errors or slow charging on a charger that normally works
- Unusual noises from the drivetrain or suspension
- Warning lights or error codes on the dashboard — do not ignore these
- Cabin heating or cooling suddenly less effective — may indicate battery thermal issues
How to Find an EV-Ready Garage
- Check that the garage has EV-trained technicians — look for certifications or ask directly
- Ask about OBD diagnostic capability for your specific vehicle brand
- Look for reviews from other EV owners — platforms like Autodots show verified reviews
- Avoid garages that are unfamiliar with your EV brand — HV systems require specialist knowledge
- For battery work, seek garages with high-voltage safety certification
Autodots lists verified garages that work with electric vehicles. Find an EV-ready garage near you. Find EV Garages →
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