Electric Vehicle Service & Maintenance — What Car Owners Need to Know

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