For example, here you have:
| Traditional Component |
The Electric Vehicle Advantage |
| ✗ Engine Oil |
✓ Zero oil changes required |
| ✗ Spark Plugs |
✓ No replacements needed |
| ✗ Fuel Filter |
✓ No blockages to fix |
| ✗ Exhaust System |
✓ Zero rust or repair issues |
| ✗ Timing Belt |
✓ No expensive replacements |
| ✗ Mechanical Gearbox Oil |
✓ Completely eliminated |
| ✗ Catalytic Converter |
✓ Removed entirely |
| ✗ Manual Clutch |
✓ No clutch wear to worry about |
| ✗ Alternator Belt |
✓ No belt wear to check |
What Is Included in a Core EV Service?
What Happens During an EV Service?
An electric car service involves plugging a diagnostic computer into the battery management system to check cell health and thermal regulation. Our technicians here will then visually inspect the high-voltage orange cables for damage, assess the regenerative braking system, check tyre tread depth, and replace the cabin air filter.
They Still Require Inspection
So as you can see, even though electric cars do not need oil changes, they still require regular professional inspections to ensure they are safe and working efficiently.
Then, when you bring your vehicle to an approved service centre, our technicians focus on high-voltage systems, battery health, and safety checks. While the oily parts are gone, the advanced electronics require specific attention.
Testing Your EV Inverters and Transmissions?
While an Electric Motor is much simpler than a petrol engine, the power delivery system still requires precise checks, though.
The inverter is then a very critical component that changes the direct current from your High Voltage Battery into the alternating current needed to spin the motor. As a result, our mechanics will then test the Inverter to make sure your power is converting efficiently.
They will also inspect the Single Speed Transmission. Because your electric vehicle does not need a traditional gearbox with multiple gears, this Single Speed Transmission only requires a basic visual inspection and occasional fluid checks to ensure smooth power delivery to the wheels.
Testing EV Battery Health and Capacity
The battery is at the heart of your electric car. It is also the most expensive component.
During a service, trained technicians will plug specialised diagnostic computers into your car. This equipment then reads the data from your battery management system. The mechanic will then check the overall health of the battery cells, look for any dead spots, and make sure that the battery is charging and discharging energy evenly.
Physical Casing Inspection
They will also inspect the physical casing of the battery. Because the battery is usually located along the bottom of the car, it can occasionally be scraped by high-speed bumps or debris on the road.
Here, the technician will make sure the protective cover is intact and that no moisture has entered the system.
Diagnosing Battery Health and Cell Degradation
A standard service also goes far beyond a simple visual check of the High Voltage Cables.
Technicians will then plug an OBD-II Diagnostic Computer directly into the vehicle network, which allows them to communicate with the Battery Management System.
Reading the Data
By reading the data from the Battery Management System, the mechanic can then accurately determine the State of Charge and identify any individual battery cells that might be underperforming.
Checking the State of Charge using an OBD-II Diagnostic Computer is the most accurate way to predict the long-term health of your vehicle.
How does a mechanic check the health of an EV battery?
Our technicians plug a diagnostic computer into the car to read data directly from the battery management system, checking cell performance and overall capacity.
What are the orange cables underneath an electric car?
The bright orange cables safely carry high-voltage electricity from the main battery pack to the electric motor and other critical systems.
What happens if an electric car battery cooling system leaks?
A leak can cause the battery to overheat, which degrades the cells faster and can potentially trigger safety systems to shut the vehicle down.
Why do electric cars still need a traditional 12v battery?
The standard 12v battery powers the internal electronics, lights, and the main computer system that initiates the high-voltage battery sequence.
What is the recommended charging percentage for daily EV driving?
Most manufacturers recommend charging the battery to 80% for daily use to help prolong the life of the cells, saving a full charge only for long trips.
Do electric vehicles have engine oil that needs changing?
No. Because there is no internal combustion engine, electric vehicles do not use or require traditional engine oil.
What maintenance does a single-speed electric transmission need?
It requires very little maintenance, though the small amount of lubricating fluid inside the transmission may eventually need to be checked or replaced.
How do dealership diagnostic computers test electric motors?
The computers interface with the electronic control unit to evaluate power efficiency, detect electrical faults, and ensure the inverter is working correctly.
How do software updates affect the driving range of an EV?
Updates can optimise battery management and motor efficiency, which can sometimes provide a small but noticeable increase in your available driving range.
Do electric cars need water pumps replaced?
Electric cars still use electric water pumps to circulate liquid coolant around the battery and motor, and these can occasionally wear out and require replacement.
Inspecting High-Voltage EV Cables
Electric cars also operate using very high-voltage systems. These cables are usually brightly coloured orange, so they are easy to identify safely.
During a routine service, the mechanic will conduct a visual inspection of these thick cables, and they are looking for any signs of wear, rubbing, or physical damage from the road.
The connections where the cables meet the battery and the motor must be completely secure and free from any corrosion.
EV Cooling Systems and Battery Thermal Management
While an electric motor does not get as hot as a petrol engine, the battery pack does generate heat when you are driving and when you are charging.
As a result, if a battery gets too hot, it can degrade much faster and lose its ability to hold a full charge. To prevent this, most modern electric cars use a liquid cooling system.
How does the Liquid Cooling System Work?
This system works similarly to the radiator in a traditional car. It pumps coolant fluid around the battery to keep it at the perfect operating temperature.
As a result, during your service, the technician will check the level of this coolant fluid. They will also look for any leaks in the hoses and ensure the water pump is working correctly.
Then, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, this coolant fluid may need to be drained and replaced every few years.
How Liquid Cooling Protects EV Batteries
Thermal Management is a key part of any electric vehicle service.
Here, the Liquid Cooling System works constantly to keep the battery pack at a safe temperature. Consequently, mechanics will check the hoses and fluid levels of the Liquid Cooling System to prevent overheating. They will also test the Refrigerant Gas levels.
This Refrigerant Gas is then used by the air conditioning to keep the cabin cool, but it is often linked directly to the overarching Thermal Management network to chill the battery during rapid charging sessions.
Brakes and Regenerative Braking
Electric Vehicle Brake Fluid Rules
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which significantly extends the life of physical brake pads. However, the hydraulic brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and must be drained and replaced every 2 years to ensure safe stopping distances, regardless of how many miles the car has driven.
Regenerative Braking
One of the best features of an electric vehicle is regenerative braking. When you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal, the electric motor runs backwards. This action then actively slows the car down and acts like a generator, sending electricity back into the battery to increase your driving range.
Because the electric motor is doing most of the work to slow the car down, you will use the physical brake pedal much less. This means that the brake pads and brake discs on an electric car last significantly longer than those on a standard car.
In fact, many electric car owners find that their brake pads last for 10's of thousands of miles without needing replacement.
Brake Discs
However, this lack of use can sometimes cause problems. In the damp British weather, brake discs can build up surface rust if they are not used regularly.
During a service, the mechanic will inspect the brake discs to ensure they are clean and safe. They will also check your brake callipers to ensure they have not seized up from a lack of use.
Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Furthermore, your car still relies on hydraulic brake fluid to operate the physical brakes in an emergency. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time.
If the fluid absorbs too much water, your brakes will become spongy and less effective. You will still need to have your brake fluid changed every two years, regardless of how many miles you have driven.
Testing Regenerative Braking Systems
The Regenerative Braking System also reduces the wear on your physical brakes by using the motor to slow the car down.
However, the physical brake lines still rely on Hydraulic Brake Fluid to function safely during an emergency stop.
Technicians will then test the moisture content of your Hydraulic Brake Fluid to make sure it meets legal safety standards.
As here noth the physical brakes and the Regenerative Braking System will be thoroughly tested before your annual MOT Test to guarantee the car is safe for the road.
Do electric cars need regular brake fluid changes?
Yes. Just like a traditional car, hydraulic brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and must be changed every 2 years to make sure your emergency braking is safe.
How long do brake pads last on an electric car with regenerative braking?
Because the motor slows the car down, your physical brake pads are used much less and can easily last for tens of thousands of miles before needing replacement.
What happens to the regenerative braking if the battery is fully charged?
If the battery is completely full, there is nowhere for the regenerated energy to go, so the car will rely entirely on its physical brakes until the charge drops.
How do you prevent brake discs from rusting on an electric car?
The best way to prevent rust is to occasionally brake firmly while driving on a safe, clear road to clean the surface of the brake discs.
What causes tyres to wear out faster on an electric car?
The heavy weight of the battery pack and the instant torque delivered by the electric motor create more friction, causing tyres to wear out slightly quicker.
Are EV-specific tyres required for MOT compliance?
They are not legally required to pass an MOT, but they are highly recommended to safely handle the extra weight and reduce road noise.
How does the extra weight of an EV affect the suspension?
The heavy battery pack puts more constant stress on the shock absorbers and springs, meaning technicians must inspect them closely for leaks or premature wear.
Electric Vehicle Tyre Wear and Suspension Maintenance
Why Electric Cars Wear Tyres Faster
Electric cars often wear through tyres faster than petrol vehicles. This is due to the heavy weight of the lithium-ion battery packs and the instant torque delivered by the electric motor. As a result, owners here should regularly check tread depth and ensure they fit tyres specifically designed for battery vehicles.
Weight
Electric cars are also heavy. The large battery packs add a significant amount of weight to the vehicle. Electric motors also deliver instant power to the wheels as soon as you press the accelerator pedal. This combination of heavy weight and instant power means that electric cars can wear out their tyres slightly faster than traditional cars.
Tyre Condition & Pressure
When you bring your car in for a service, the condition of your tyres is a top priority. The mechanic will check the tread depth across the entire width of the tyre.
They will also check the tyre pressures and look for any bulges or cuts in the sidewalls. Because electric cars are so quiet, any uneven tyre wear can also create a lot of annoying road noise inside the cabin. If you ever need new rubber, our team can help you find the right replacement tyres designed specifically to handle the weight and speed of battery vehicles.
Suspension System
The suspension system also works very hard to support the extra weight of the battery. The technicians will thoroughly check the shock absorbers, springs, and suspension bushes to ensure your car remains comfortable and safe to drive over bumpy roads.
Why EV Weight Requires Suspension Checks
Because battery packs are exceptionally heavy, the suspension and wheels work much harder than they do on a traditional car.
As a result, technicians will pay close attention to the Shock Absorbers to make sure they are not leaking under the extra weight.
They will also check your Tread Depth alongside the digital Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
As a result, if the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System shows a fault, or if your Tread Depth is too low, the vehicle will struggle to grip the road effectively.
EV Cabin Filters and Electric Air Conditioning
Your comfort inside the car is just as important as the mechanics underneath it. That is why electric cars use a cabin air filter to clean the air before it enters the interior.
This filter stops dust, pollen, and pollution from getting inside. Over time, this filter gets clogged and needs to be replaced. As a result, changing the cabin filter is a standard part of almost every annual service.
Air Conditioning System
The air conditioning system in an electric car is completely electric. It works hard in the summer to keep you cool, and it also acts as a heat pump in the winter to warm the cabin efficiently without draining the battery too quickly.
A fully functioning air conditioning system is vital because it is sometimes linked directly to the battery cooling system.
The mechanic will test the air conditioning to make sure it is blowing cold air and check if the system needs to be topped up with fresh refrigerant gas.
EV Software Updates and Electronic Diagnostics
Modern electric cars are also essentially highly advanced computers on wheels.
So, just like your mobile phone or your laptop, your car relies on software to manage everything from the battery charging speed to the satellite navigation and the radio.
Many car manufacturers send minor software updates over the air, meaning your car updates itself while parked on your driveway. However, some larger and more critical software updates require a direct connection at an approved dealership. During your service, the technician will plug your car into the manufacturer network and download the latest software improvements. These updates can sometimes improve your driving range, fix minor electronic bugs, and make your car run smoother.
Installing Critical EV Software Updates
Before finishing the service and changing the Cabin Air Filter to keep your interior fresh, the technician will check for software improvements.
Many manufacturers releaseOver-the-Airr Updates to fix small bugs, but a main dealer service will ensure all critical systems have the latest software installed.
To guarantee this work is done safely, always ensure your mechanic holds specific Institute of the Motor Industry qualifications. These Institute of the Motor Industry certificates prove the technician is legally and safely trained to work on high voltage systems.
Our Comprehensive EV Servicing Checklist
Every electric vehicle service includes a rigorous check of your core systems to ensure complete safety and reliability.
Battery and High Voltage Systems
- Full visual inspection of the high voltage battery pack and its protective casing.
- Deep battery management system diagnostics to check for early signs of lithium ion cell degradation.
- Evaluation of rapid charging thermal impact and state of charge calibration.
- Provision of a formal battery health certificate for your records.
- Physical charging port inspection and a complete liquid cooling system flush if required.
- Digital checks for thermal runaway prevention and a visual check of high voltage cable integrity.
Diagnostics and Climate Control
- Applying over the air software updates and providing a full diagnostic computer readout.
- Performing a cabin air filter replacement and inspecting the electric air conditioning compressor.
- Conducting a heat pump efficiency check and applying infotainment system updates.
- Ensuring high voltage safety isolation and checking for electrical connection corrosion.
- Looking for battery cooling system leaks and running electronic control unit diagnostics.
Performance and Suspension Factors
- Reviewing electric motor efficiency and performing a single speed transmission check.
- Testing regenerative braking energy recovery to aid battery range optimisation.
- Checking cold weather battery performance and measuring the cabin heating energy draw.
- Conducting a visual aerodynamic wheel trim inspection and full wheel alignment for EVs.
- Evaluating electric vehicle suspension wear, including heavy battery pack suspension load and a thorough shock absorber inspection.
The MOT Test for Electric Cars
MOT Rules for Electric Cars
Electric cars legally require an annual MOT test in the UK once they reach three years old. The test is identical to a standard car check for lights, steering, suspension, and brakes, but it excludes the emissions test because electric vehicles do not have exhaust systems.
Just like petrol and diesel vehicles, an electric car legally requires an annual MOT test once it reaches three years old. The MOT test ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the government.
The MOT test for an electric car is very similar to a standard test. The examiner will check the lights, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, steering, suspension, and brakes. They will also inspect the structural integrity of the car to ensure there is no dangerous rust.
The only major difference is that there is no emissions test. Because your car does not have an exhaust pipe, it cannot produce harmful tailpipe emissions. The examiner will instead perform specific safety checks on the high voltage battery casing and the bright orange electrical cables to ensure everything is completely secure.
If your car is approaching its third birthday, you can easily arrange your MOT alongside your routine maintenance by visiting our service booking page.
Why High-Voltage EVs Require Certified Technicians
It is incredibly important to also remember that you should never attempt to service an electric car yourself. As here the high-voltage electrical systems carry enough power to cause serious injury if they are handled incorrectly.
Traditional mechanics who are only trained on combustion engines may not have the necessary qualifications to work on battery vehicles safely.
As a result, when an electric car goes into a workshop, the technician must follow strict safety protocols. They wear special insulated gloves and use insulated tools. They also have a specific procedure to power down the high-voltage system before they begin any work on the main components.
Due to this, you should always use a certified dealership or a garage with technicians who hold recognised electric vehicle qualifications. This then makes sure that your safety is protected, your vehicle warranty is maintained, and that the work is carried out to the highest possible standard.
How to Budget for Electric Car Maintenance?
While electric cars are generally cheaper to maintain, routine servicing is still an ongoing cost that you need to budget for.
The cost of a service will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as its age and mileage. Minor services might just involve a battery health check and a new cabin filter, while major services might include brake fluid changes and cooling system maintenance.
Service Plans
One of the best ways to manage these costs and avoid unexpected bills is by setting up a service plan.
Here, by spreading the cost of your maintenance into fixed monthly payments, you can protect yourself against future price increases and guarantee that your car is looked after by experts.
You can learn more about how to budget for your maintenance by looking at our service plans.
At Home Daily EV Maintenance Tips
Between your scheduled visits to the garage, there are several simple things you can do at home to keep your electric car running perfectly.
Tyre Pressure
First, keep a close eye on your tyre pressures. Driving with underinflated tyres will create more drag on the road. This means your electric motor has to work harder, which will drain your battery faster and reduce your driving range.
Ideally, you should check your tyre pressures once a month and before any long journeys.
Cleaning
Second, keep your car clean, especially during the winter months. Road salt and grit can build up under the car and on the brake components.
As by giving your car a thorough wash will help prevent corrosion on your brakes and suspension.
Don't Over Charge The Battery
Third, try to avoid regularly charging your battery to the maximum capacity if you do not need the full range.
Many manufacturers recommend charging to 80% for daily driving to help prolong the life of the battery cells. Only charge to the maximum when you are planning a long road trip.
Top up Fluids
Finally, make sure that you top up your windscreen washer fluid regularly. Because you will not be lifting the bonnet to check the engine oil, it is easy to forget about the washer fluid until you run out on a dirty road.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Servicing
When it comes to electric car servicing, our team often gets asked a lot of questions around this, with some of the common ones being:
How often does an electric car need a full service?
Typically, an electric car requires a service every one to two years, or after a specific mileage like 18,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer's guidelines.
Why is servicing an electric car cheaper than a petrol car?
Electric cars have significantly fewer moving parts, which completely removes the need for engine oil, spark plugs, or complex exhaust maintenance.
How much does a standard electric car service cost in the UK?
A basic service usually costs between £100 and £150, but a major service involving brake fluid and coolant changes will cost more.
How can I budget for electric car maintenance with a service plan?
You can spread the cost of your maintenance by paying a fixed monthly fee, which protects you against inflation and covers all your routine checks.
Is an electric car warranty void if not serviced by a main dealer?
No. Under UK law, any qualified independent garage can service your car without voiding the warranty, provided they use approved parts and follow the strict manufacturer schedule.
Do I need a specialist garage
Yes. You should always use an approved electric vehicle service centre with a qualified EV technician.
Our teams use specialist insulated tools and follow strict high voltage safety protocols to protect your electric vehicle warranty protection during every routine EV inspection.
Is electric car maintenance actually cheaper
Most drivers experience significantly reduced electric vehicle maintenance costs. When you look at an EV servicing price comparison, the lack of engine fluids leads to cheaper routine maintenance and drastically lowers the overall electric car total cost of ownership.
We also offer fixed price EV servicing and fixed monthly service plans as part of our preventative EV maintenance packages right here at your local EV garage Chippenham.
We also help you understand long term battery degradation and can advise on electric vehicle breakdown cover or specialist EV diagnostic fees.
How do you check electric vehicle brakes and tyres
We measure regenerative braking system efficiency to ensure your battery is capturing energy correctly.
This system massively improves brake pad longevity, but we still need to check for brake disc surface rust and perform a hydraulic brake fluid replacement when necessary to aid brake calliper seizure prevention.
We also conduct a thorough tyre tread depth check to combat instant torque tyre wear, and we can supply EV specific replacement tyres to ensure the best rolling resistance tyre check results.
Do electric cars require air conditioning regassing?
Yes. The air conditioning system uses refrigerant gas to cool the cabin and sometimes chill the battery, which must be topped up if levels drop.
Do I need to replace the cabin filter in an electric vehicle?
Yes. The cabin filter stops pollen and dust from entering the interior and usually needs to be replaced during your annual service.
How does road salt affect the underside of an electric car?
Road salt can cause surface rust on suspension parts and brake components, so keeping the underside clean during winter is highly recommended.
So is Electric Car Servicing Right For You?
As you can see, making the transition to an electric vehicle is an exciting step. Not only are they fantastic to drive, but they also remove much of the mechanical stress associated with traditional car ownership.
The days of worrying about broken cambelts, leaking oil, and blocked exhaust filters are finally over.
So, by understanding the simple requirements of electric car servicing, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and reliable for many years. Regular battery health checks, tyre inspections, and brake maintenance are the keys to happy and trouble-free motoring.
If your electric vehicle is due for a check, or if you have any questions about maintaining your car, our expert team is always here to help. You can easily contact us today to speak to one of our friendly advisors and arrange an appointment with our highly trained technicians.
Do electric cars need an MOT after three years in the UK?
Yes. Once an electric car reaches three years old, it must undergo an annual MOT test to ensure it meets government road safety standards.
How is an electric car MOT different from a normal MOT?
The main difference is the complete removal of the tailpipe emissions test, alongside the addition of specific visual safety checks for the high voltage battery casing.
Can any local garage service a high voltage electric car?
No. Only garages with technicians explicitly trained to work safely with high voltage electrical systems should service an electric car.
What qualifications must a mechanic have to work on EVs?
In the UK, technicians should hold at least a Level 2 qualification from the Institute of the Motor Industry to perform basic routine maintenance, or a Level 3 qualification to safely handle complex high voltage systems.
What exactly is checked during an electric vehicle service?
Mechanics comprehensively inspect the battery health, high voltage cables, cooling systems, suspension, tyres, and brakes, whilst also applying the latest manufacturer software updates.
Want to spread the cost of your maintenance?
Set up a simple monthly payment plan and let our experts take care of your vehicle all year round.
View Our Service Plans
If you are looking for more specific maintenance advice, our Kia Service Guide breaks down exactly what our technicians look for during an annual inspection. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the dashboard electronics by reading our guide to the top 35 car warning lights so you know exactly when to book a diagnostic check. Finally, if you are considering upgrading your current battery vehicle, our comprehensive Kia EV6 Buyers Guide covers everything from battery charging times to long-term reliability.
Who is Chippenham Motor Group?
Here at Chippenham Motor Group, we are a reputable automotive dealership based in Chippenham that has been around for a long time in the United Kingdom.
As a result, we are committed to giving you exceptional customer service and offering you a wide range of new and used Kia vehicles for sale, along with others from leading brands as well.
In addition to vehicle sales, we can also give you access to comprehensive after-sales services, including maintenance, repairs, and genuine parts, and our experienced and friendly team are proud that we help every customer find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs and budget.
So contact us today if we can help you find your next car. We are here to help.