There seems to be a common misconception that electric and hybrid vehicles require minimal regular maintenance compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While it’s true that EVs require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts, they’re far from maintenance-free. All vehicles are subjected to wear and tear, and they all need a tune-up every so often, even if oil changes aren’t on the maintenance list for fully electric cars.
Let’s take a look at the regular maintenance that EVs and hybrid vehicles actually need, courtesy of the experts at our local auto repair company.
Tire Maintenance
The tires on EVs and hybrid vehicles are no different from those on any other vehicle, so they require the same level of care. In fact, tires on EVs tend to wear out faster due to instant torque. If you own an EV, fit it with EV-specific tires for optimal performance, and don’t forget about regular tire rotations, alignments, and pressure checks every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Brakes
Hybrid vehicles and EVs use regenerative braking, which extends the life of brake pads but won’t completely eliminate the need for regular maintenance for Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, and other hybrids and EV brands. Keep checking and replacing brake fluid, and have your brake pads checked. They may last longer, but they won’t last forever.
Battery Cooling System
EVs have cooling systems that regulate battery temperature. You will need to monitor the health of your vehicle’s cooling system, especially when it’s particularly hot outside.
Transmission Checks and Oil Changes
Fully-electric vehicles don’t need oil changes since there is no gas engine at all. However, hybrid vehicles still have transmissions that require regular maintenance, and they still need regular oil changes. Keep checking your transmission fluid, and stay on top of your oil changes according to your vehicle’s manual.
Software Updates
Most EVs require regular software updates to fix bugs and otherwise keep running smoothly. Check for available updates often and install them as necessary.
Call SuperTech Auto Repair for Assistance
Even though EVs and hybrid vehicles don’t technically require as much maintenance as traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, they still require tune-ups and other work.
If your EV or hybrid needs some care or you want to establish a good maintenance plan, contact SuperTech Auto Repair in Victoria, BC today.
