Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as the world shifts toward cleaner, more efficient transportation. Many prospective Electric Car owners ask: Do electric cars need servicing? The short answer is yes, but the servicing needs are different from traditional petrol or diesel cars. While EVs often require less frequent and less intensive maintenance, a regular full car service is essential to keep your vehicle safe, efficient, and long-lasting.
In this guide, we’ll explore what servicing an electric car involves, why it matters, how often it should be done, and how professionals like Ashroad Service Centre can provide a reliable full car service to help EV owners take excellent care of their vehicles.
How Electric Cars Differ from Petrol and Diesel Cars
Electric cars are fundamentally different from internal combustion engine vehicles. Where a petrol or diesel car has hundreds, sometimes thousands, of mechanical parts working together, an electric vehicle’s propulsion system is much simpler. An EV uses an electric motor powered by a high-voltage battery and typically does not have components like engine oil, spark plugs, timing belts, or a traditional gearbox.
This simplicity means there are fewer mechanical elements that can wear out or fail. However, simpler does not mean no maintenance at all, EVs still have wear-related components that require regular checks.
What EVs Don’t Need
Several traditional service tasks are not required for electric cars, which makes EV ownership simpler and often cheaper:
- No oil changes: Electric motors don’t use engine oil.
- No spark plugs or timing belts: These are exclusive to internal combustion engines.
- No exhaust system maintenance: EVs don’t have exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, or mufflers.
- No traditional transmission servicing: Most EVs use a single-speed drive unit rather than a multi-gear transmission.
Because of this, EVs generally have fewer scheduled service items, which often results in maintenance costs being significantly lower over their lifetime compared with petrol or diesel vehicles.
Regular Servicing Tasks Every EV Owner Should Know
Even though electric cars avoid many traditional service items, they still need servicing to ensure safety, efficiency, comfort, and longevity. Here’s what typical EV maintenance includes:
a. Tyres
Electric cars are often heavier than comparably sized petrol or diesel cars due to the battery pack, which places extra stress on tyres. Tyres can wear faster and require regular attention.
Recommended EV tyre care includes:
- Checking tyre pressure monthly
- Inspecting tread depth and wear
- Rotating tyres periodically
- Getting periodic alignment checks
b. Brake System
EVs use regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the car and feeds energy back into the battery. This reduces wear on brake pads, meaning they can last much longer than those on petrol cars. However, the braking system still needs:
- Regular inspections
- Brake fluid checks and replacements at intervals
- Brake pad and disc checks for wear or corrosion
c. Cooling and Fluids
While EVs don’t have engine oil, some still use coolant systems to manage battery and motor temperature. These systems need:
- Coolant level checks
- Coolant replacement at recommended intervals
Some EVs also have other fluids such as brake fluid and windshield washer fluid that need periodic topping up or replacement.
d. Suspension and Steering
EV suspension and steering components are similar to ICE vehicles and wear over time. Regular inspection helps maintain ride comfort and handling performance.
e. Cabin Filters and HVAC System
Electric cars still have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Cabin air filters should be checked and replaced periodically to ensure healthy airflow and clean air inside the vehicle.
f. Software Updates
Electric cars rely on software for battery management, vehicle control systems, infotainment, and safety features. Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve performance, efficiency, and safety. Ensuring your EV software is up to date is an important part of maintenance.
How Often Should an EV Be Serviced?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer because each EV model has its own recommended service schedule. However, typical guidance includes:
- Annual inspection or every 10,000–15,000 miles, for general service, including brakes, tyres, fluids, and safety systems
- Specific tasks like brake fluid change, every 2 years or longer depending on the model
- Battery cooling system or fluid changes, intervals vary widely and depend on manufacturer specifications
Always refer to your EV’s owner’s manual for exact service intervals. Skipping recommended servicing can risk voiding your warranty and lead to unexpected repair bills.
Benefits of Regular Servicing for EVs
Regular servicing brings several important benefits:
- Safety and Reliability
Routine inspections help identify wear-related problems before they become serious safety issues, from tyre wear to braking efficiency.
- Performance and Efficiency
Proper maintenance ensures that tyres, alignment, fluids, cooling systems, and software are all optimized, which can improve range and comfort.
- Warranty Protection
Most EV warranties require that you follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to remain valid. Missing service appointments can jeopardize coverage for major parts like the battery.
- Resale Value
A fully documented service history adds value to your EV when you choose to sell or trade it. Prospective buyers value a well-maintained car.
DIY Checks EV Owners Can Do
Not all maintenance requires a garage visit. EV owners can do several routine checks themselves, such as:
- Checking tyre pressure and condition
- Refilling windshield washer fluid
- Inspecting lights, wipers, and visual checks under the bonnet
These simple checks help catch problems early and keep your car safer between professional services.
Why You Should Trust Professionals for Servicing
Many EV systems, especially high-voltage battery and motor components, require specialized tools, training, and safety procedures. A qualified EV service technician will ensure:
- High-voltage systems are handled safely
- Software updates are applied correctly
- Coolant, brakes, and fluids are serviced per manufacturer specifications
This expertise protects your vehicle technically and safeguards your warranty coverage.
Ashroad Service Centre: Your Trusted EV Service Provider
Maintaining an electric vehicle demands knowledge, precision, and the right tools. That’s where Ashroad Service Centre stands out as a dependable partner for EV owners.
What Ashroad Service Centre Offers for EV Owners?
At Ashroad Service Centre, certified technicians provide:
- Comprehensive EV servicing and annual inspections
- Brake system checks and maintenance
- Tyre pressure, alignment, and replacement guidance
- Coolant system evaluations
- Battery diagnostics and health assessments
- Software diagnostics and updates
- Suspension and steering inspections
- Professional fluid inspections and top-ups
Their expert team ensures every servicing task, from high-voltage systems to routine checks, is done safely and correctly. Choosing Ashroad Service Centre gives EV owners professional care, transparent pricing, and reliable support to keep their electric vehicles performing efficiently for years.
Common Misconceptions About EV Servicing
“Electric cars don’t need servicing at all.”
While EVs need fewer mechanical checks like oil changes, they still require regular inspection for tyres, brakes, cooling systems, software, and safety-critical components.
“Battery maintenance is a DIY job.”
High-voltage battery diagnostics and cooling system inspection should be done by professionals to avoid safety risks and ensure warranty compliance.
“Less maintenance means zero cost.”
EV servicing may be less frequent, but professional checks and component replacements still have costs. Regular servicing often saves money over time by preventing costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the way we drive, offering lower running costs, reduced emissions, and a smoother driving experience. But servicing remains important for safety, performance, and longevity.
EVs may have fewer moving parts and often need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, but they still require regular checks of tyres, brakes, coolant systems, software, suspension, and other components. Following manufacturer recommendations and working with certified EV service professionals ensures your battery and systems stay healthy, your warranty stays valid, and the car continues delivering optimal performance.
For EV owners who want expertise and peace of mind, Ashroad Service Centre offers comprehensive servicing tailored to electric vehicles of all makes and models.
Properly servicing your electric car keeps it running smoothly for years, whether you drive a compact city EV or a long-range family model.
