EV Service

EV Auto Service and Upkeep

Keeping an electric vehicle (EV) running in top condition can be very different from maintaining a vehicle with a gasoline or diesel engine. There are familiar features such as tires and brakes, but it's the powertrain of an EV that is so different. No pistons in the engine, no exhaust system, no oil to keep it lubricated - this is an entirely new world. The electric motor has a much smaller number of moving parts to it, making it a simpler machine to maintain. In fact, some of them are small enough that one person can carry them. This simplicity increases reliability and should provide many years of flawless performance.

Considerations

Below are a few things to keep in mind regarding servicing your EV and how it differs from maintaining a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle.

Powertrain

No more oil changes, no more oil filters, and no more fuel pumps. Going electric reduces the number of pieces in this system and makes it easier all along the way. Just like in a gasoline engined vehicle, the transmission, whether direct-drive or multi-speed, may still need a fluid change to keep running at it's best.

Brakes

Most EVs feature a regenerative braking system in addition to a traditional friction braking system. This type of braking system takes energy generated from braking to help charge the battery and increase your driving range. Using this system also means that you're putting less wear and tear on the brake pads and rotors.

Charging

Fully charging your battery then fully draining it puts a lot of strain on it and can lead to degradation over time. Some EVs prevent you from fully charging the battery to avoid this specific situation. Regular use of a fast charging system can also degrade the battery much more than a level 2 charger. In general, keep the battery charge between 20% & 80%.

Cooling

Keeping your vehicle from overheating is important regardless of what kind of engine is under the hood. EVs use coolant or refrigerant to keep the temperature of the charger, inverter, and battery pack within normal tolerances.

Weather

Your driving distance can be significantly impacted by extreme cold or heat. They can cause the battery to drain more quickly and put more strain on your vehicle's systems to keep it cool. Keep your EV parked in the garage whenever possible. If you don't have a garage, a shaded area (car port or trees) will help shield your vehicle from the sun.