We all know the importance of servicing our petrol and diesel vehicles at regular intervals. Oils degrade even if the vehicle covers a low mileage each year. Spark plugs wear and filters clog. So, the logic would be, if we remove the combustion engine, we remove the need for servicing…right? Well, the answer is no.
Granted there are far fewer moving parts on an Electric Vehicle (EV) than its internal combustion counterpart. However, the EV is still connected to the road via wheels and tyres. The EV is slowed partially via hydraulic brake discs/drums with hydraulic cylinders, pipes and hoses (partially because our electric motor can slow us down via regenerative braking). Suspension components consisting of shock absorbers, springs and control arms are all still fitted and work just as hard as a petrol and diesel vehicle.
A yearly service of a combustion vehicle will consist of extensive safety inspections, including tyres and brake reports, not just a change of oil, filters and spark plugs. Imagine driving a vehicle for years without ever checking for corrosion on brake pipes or chaffing wiring, or coolant leaks? Doesn’t sound good, does it?
An added bonus to EV servicing is that it comes in at a fraction of the cost compared to combustion engines, because we tend to have very few service items that need replacing at regular intervals.
Servicing the Electric Vehicle Versus the Combustion Engine
When a combustion vehicle comes into the workshop for a service, we will always start with extensive checks of everything from the seat belts and lights to the exhaust condition and leaks from the engine. All wheels are removed and the brakes thoroughly inspected, all moving parts are greased, all fluids checked, the vehicle’s control modules are scanned for any faults that may have been logged and any service warning lights are reset. A detailed report is then relayed to the customer and any concerns or items that need addressing are brought to their attention.
With the customer informed and any other issues dealt with, oils, filters and any other components are replaced. Finally, the vehicle is tested and quality control checked before being returned to the customer.
An EV will be subjected to the same inspection but we have different components that require attention. Some EVs use coolant for cooling the battery and other components. If the coolant level is low with no external leaks, we could have leaks internally to the battery pack. Obviously locating this fault early on with regular servicing could avoid serious damage to the battery pack. Included with any service is a check of the air conditioning performance. If our air conditioning fails on a petrol or diesel vehicle it makes summer driving unpleasant, but other than that it doesn’t have much impact on anything else. Some EVs may use air conditioning refrigerant to cool (and sometimes heat) the battery pack and other components in the high voltage system. If the system is leaking or underperforming it could lead to a breakdown or restricted performance on a longer journey. A problem that can be avoided with regular servicing. The pollen filter may need replacing as well, although it’s not detrimental to the reliable running of the vehicle. The pollen filter does filter out harmful pollutants from outside before being passed through into the cabin. Certain EVs will also require a reduction gearbox oil change, although this is not an annual requirement.
As mentioned above, EVs don’t utilize their brakes half as much as other vehicles thanks to the benefits of regenerative braking. However, our braking system is subject to some of the worst conditions while driving. The brake pads and discs on an EV will last far longer than combustion counterparts, but without regular use they are subject to seizing and corrosion. This can be avoided with a regular service inspection and if necessary, cleaning and lubrication. This can save us from a costly visit to the garage for four new sets of discs, pads and calipers because they have all seized solid.
D&D Autos have years of experience servicing your petrol and diesel vehicles and our staff are also qualified and equipped to service all makes and models of Electric Vehicles and hybrids. Call us on 01233 504765 to book a service or repair work today.
