A Guide to Electric Car Servicing for EV Owners

Electric cars have taken the world by storm, and for a good reason. They're environmentally friendly, efficient, and quiet. But as with any vehicle, electric cars require maintenance to keep them running smoothly. In this blog, we'll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about electric vehicle servicing.

• Does an electric car need a service?
• Why does an electric car need a service?
• Different types of service for electric cars
• What does a full service on an electric car include?
• How long does a service on an electric car take?
• How do I know if my electric car needs a service?
• 6 signs your electric car needs a service
• What happens if an electric car is not serviced?
• How much does an electric car service cost?
• How can I reduce the cost of my EV servicing?
• Electric Car Servicing in Chippenham

Yes, an electric car needs servicing just like any other vehicle. While electric cars require less maintenance than traditional combustion engines, they still require regular servicing to keep them in good condition.

Regular servicing helps to ensure that the battery and electrical systems are working efficiently, which is important for maintaining the car's range and performance. 

Servicing your EV can identify any potential problems before they become major issues, which can help to avoid costly repairs down the line. Additionally, some parts of an electric car, such as the brakes and tires, still require regular maintenance and replacement just like any other car.

An electric car service can help to ensure that the car is safe and roadworthy, which is important for your own safety and the safety of other road users.

There are typically three types of services for electric cars: interim, full, and major service. An interim service usually includes an oil and filter change, a check of the brakes, and a general safety check. A full service includes everything that an interim service does, as well as a more in-depth check of the vehicle's components. A major service includes all the checks in a full service, as well as a more comprehensive inspection of the car's systems and components.

A full service on an electric car typically includes several key components to ensure the car is functioning safely and efficiently. Here are some of the items included in a full service:

• Checking and testing of the battery and charging system
• Inspection of electrical connections and wiring
• Checking the brakes and tyres
• Inspecting the suspension and steering systems
• Testing lights and wipers
• Changing the air filter
• Checking fluid levels and topping up as necessary

Servicing on an electric car, in line with the manufacturer's service schedule, ensures each element is inspected or replaced at recommended intervals to keep the car running efficiently and safely, and to ensure that it is reliable for everyday use.

The length of a service on an electric car will depend on the type of service being performed. An interim service typically takes around an hour, while a full service can take several hours.

Most electric cars have a maintenance schedule that outlines when a service is needed. You can also check the vehicle's dashboard for any warning lights or messages. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with a qualified technician.

Usually, you will notice a 'Service Required' message on the dashboard, but we've listed a few other signs that it might be time for your EV to be serviced.

If your electric car's range has decreased significantly and you're unable to drive as far on a single charge as you used to, it may be a sign that the battery or other components in the electric drivetrain need to be serviced or replaced.

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your electric car while driving, such as whining, grinding, or buzzing noises, it could be a sign of a problem with the motor or other parts of the drivetrain.

If any warning lights appear on the dashboard of your electric car, it's important to have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. These lights may indicate problems with the battery, charging system, or other critical components.

If your electric car is taking longer than usual to charge, or it's not charging at all, it could be a sign of a problem with the charging system, the battery, or the electrical connections.

If your electric car is not accelerating as quickly as it used to or is generally sluggish, it could be a sign of a problem with the motor or other components in the electric drivetrain.

If your electric car is having difficulty starting, it could be a sign of a problem with the battery, starter, or other components in the electrical system.

If you already know your servicing is up to date, but you're still noticing any of the issues listed above, it may be an indicator of a fault with the car and may need to be investigated by a reputable electric car mechanic.

If an electric car is not serviced regularly, several problems can occur. The battery, electrical systems, and other components may not perform as efficiently, which can result in reduced range and poor performance. Over time, this can cause more significant damage to the car's systems, leading to costly repairs or even complete failure of the car's electrical components.

In addition, issues such as worn brakes or tyres, faulty suspension or steering systems, and other mechanical problems can go unnoticed and become more severe if not addressed. Regular servicing is important to maintain the safety, reliability, and performance of an electric car.

The cost of an electric car service will vary depending on the type of service being performed and the make and model of the vehicle.

At Chippenham Motor Company, we can offer electric vehicle servicing from only £149, recommended for EVs that are no longer in manufacturer's warranty.

Manufacturer recommended servicing for electric cars can be more expensive, but provide genuine manufacturer approved parts and are performed by manufacturer specialists. We are authorised aftersales centres for Polestar, Kia, SEAT, Citroen, Peugeot, Ford and Volvo, and our qualified technicians are fully manufacturer trained.

We strive to make vehicle servicing and maintenance affordable, which is why we have electric car servicing options from only £149 for non-manufacturer approved servicing. This is only recommended for vehicles outside of manufacturer's warranty. 

The quality of the service is no less than a manufacturer approved service, but we source and use more affordable parts to bring the cost down.

If your electric car is still in warranty, we would always recommend a manufacturer's approved service. These services are more expensive, but will help maintain your car's warranty and will use genuine manufacturer parts.

Service plans are an excellent way to make servicing more affordable, by locking in the price of services so you aren't hit by rising costs due to inflation, as well as enabling you to spread the cost.

In conclusion, electric vehicles require regular servicing to keep them running efficiently and reliably. By following the maintenance schedule and keeping an eye out for any warning signs, you can ensure that your electric car stays in good condition for years to come.