More people are now choosing electric or hybrid cars over fully conventional cars due to the wide range of benefits electric vehicles can offer. Plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) work in a different way to conventional cars, but they still require regular maintenance and servicing.
Conventional cars have lots of moving parts, meaning there’s a lot that could potentially go wrong over a petrol or diesel car’s lifetime. Whereas, electric cars have a handful of parts in comparison, but you’ll still need to regularly maintain parts such as brakes, tyres, and wipers.
The main parts – such as the traction battery, drive motor and associated electronics - require little maintenance. But electric car services focus on parts that are common to EV vehicles, like tyres, brakes, and windscreen wipers, which will need to be checked regularly.
Simply book your electric car service online or pop into your local branch. Our fully trained staff will provide the vital checks across all car makes and models and have you back on the road in no time.
Before people make the decision to transaction to an electric car, they commonly ask us how long electric car batteries last. Electric and hybrid traction batteries have proven to be very robust, but you should make sure to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations about charging the traction battery. Generally, you'll need to:
Make sure the battery doesn’t run out completely
Charge your battery according to the owner’s manual (the most efficient is often 20% to 80% full charge)
If you follow the manufacturers recommendations and take your EV for a regular service, you will be able to improve the lifespan of your electric car battery. able to improve the lifespan of your electric car battery.
EVs use regenerative braking as well as conventional brakes. The energy which is lost when the car slows down is converted back into stored energy in the battery. It makes braking more efficient so there’s less wear and tear on your brake system. You’ll still need to replace brake pads and discs and replace brake fluid. and discs and replace brake fluid.
Our trained experts can help resolve any issues you’re having with the brakes on your electric car, simply visit your local branch for a free brake check today.
EVs may have specific tyres to cope with additional weight and more accelerating power. They also have reduced rolling resistance and create less noise. You should:
Rotate your EV tyres according to the owner's manual
Keep tyre pressure topped up
Replace tyres when worn
Learn more about legal tyre tread depth and how to check it.
Most electric cars use coolant to manage battery temperatures. How often the coolant needs flushing or topping up varies from car to car, so please check the owner’s manual. Typically, EV cooling systems are sealed and should only be checked/topped up by a qualified EV technician.
Electric cars don’t use engine oil. But they do often use oil inside their reduction gearboxes, which may need to be changed over the car’s lifespan. Unlike conventional petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars you won’t have to worry about any of these with an electric car:
Engine oil changes
Spark plugs
Timing belt changes
For more information on hybrid electric car service and maintenance, get in touch with your local Merityre branch.