Yes, an electric car also needs maintenance, but less than a gasoline or diesel car. You don’t need to change engine oil and there are fewer moving parts that wear out. However, tires, brakes, coolant for the battery, air conditioning, and the 12V battery require regular inspection. The MOT test remains mandatory. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about electric car maintenance.
What actually needs to be maintained on an electric car?
With an electric car, you mainly maintain the components that also need attention in regular cars: tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and air conditioning. Additionally, the electric drivetrain has specific components such as coolant for the battery and electronics, and a 12V battery that powers the onboard computer. The major difference from gasoline or diesel cars is what’s no longer there: no engine oil, no transmission, no exhaust system, and no spark plugs.
The brakes of an electric car last longer than you’re used to. This is due to regenerative braking: the electric motor slows down the car while simultaneously charging the battery. This means you use the physical brakes less often. However, you still need to regularly replace brake fluid and check brake pads, as they can rust or seize up precisely because of infrequent use.
Tires on electric cars often wear out faster. An EV is heavier due to the battery, and the direct torque from the electric motor puts more stress on the tires. Therefore, regularly check tire pressure and tread depth. Many electric cars run on special tires designed for the higher weight and lower rolling resistance.
The coolant for the battery and electronics is important for your car’s lifespan. The battery must stay at the right temperature, both in cold and warm weather. This fluid must be checked and replaced according to the maintenance schedule. Furthermore, the air conditioning requires attention, just like any car. And don’t forget the 12V battery: it powers all electronics and breaks down after a few years, just like in gasoline cars.
How often does an electric car need to go to the garage?
An electric car usually needs to go to the garage every 1 to 2 years, or after approximately 30,000 kilometers. This depends on the make and model, and is described in the maintenance booklet. That’s less often than traditional cars, where you often have a service appointment annually or every 15,000 kilometers. The MOT test remains mandatory: first time after 4 years, then annually.
Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. This is not only important for your car’s lifespan, but often also a condition for the factory warranty. With many brands, the battery warranty expires if you skip maintenance. Therefore, always check what’s stated in your warranty conditions.
Between service appointments, it’s wise to keep an eye on things yourself. Regularly check your tires for pressure and wear, verify that windshield wipers still work properly, and watch for warning lights on the dashboard. Do you see an unfamiliar light or notice something strange about the driving behavior? Then come by before it becomes a bigger problem.
For tire checks, you can always drop by between service appointments. We’re happy to check if the pressure is correct and if the tread depth is still sufficient. This prevents unnecessary wear and increases safety. Even if you’re unsure about a warning light, feel free to call. Sometimes it’s nothing serious, but it’s always better to be certain.
Can any garage maintain an electric car?
Much of the regular maintenance on an electric car can be performed by any skilled garage. Think of tire service, checking and replacing brakes, MOT tests, air conditioning maintenance, and replacing windshield wipers. For these tasks, it doesn’t matter whether your car runs on electricity or gasoline. The basic principles remain the same.
For specific work on the high-voltage system, battery, or software updates, you need a garage with the right knowledge and equipment. Not every garage has the certification and diagnostic tools for all electric cars. Complex repairs to the electric drivetrain or battery problems require specialist knowledge.
Always ask in advance whether the garage has experience with your brand of electric car. Check if they have the right diagnostic equipment to read faults and update software. For brands like Renault, authorized workshops have access to specific dealer software and flat rate codes. For other brands, general EV knowledge and modern diagnostic tools are often sufficient for most maintenance.
We are trained and equipped for repairs and maintenance on hybrid and electric cars. For Renault electric models, as an authorized workshop we can handle all maintenance and warranty cases. For other brands of electric cars, we perform regular maintenance: MOT tests, tire service, brakes, air conditioning, and general inspections. For complex brand-specific problems, we advise you honestly and refer you to the right specialist.
What does electric car maintenance cost?
Electric car maintenance is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel cars. You no longer have oil changes, brakes last longer, and there are fewer parts that can break. In the long term, you’re often better off financially, even though specific repairs to electrical systems can be more expensive when they occur.
An MOT test costs the same for an electric car as for any other car. The difference lies in regular maintenance. Where you regularly replace oil, oil filters, and air filters in a gasoline car, this is eliminated with an EV. The coolant for the battery does need to be replaced, but this happens less frequently than oil changes.
Tires can be more expensive for electric cars. Due to the higher weight and direct torque, they wear out faster, and you often need special tires designed for electric driving. The size is also often larger for many EVs, which increases the price. Expect to need new tires somewhat more frequently than with a comparable gasoline car.
Costs depend heavily on the make and model of your electric car. Premium brands often have more expensive parts and higher hourly rates at dealers. At an independent garage like ours, you pay a fair hourly rate for the work we can perform. For Renault electric models, we work with fixed flat rate codes, so you know exactly what to expect. For other EV brands, we provide a clear price indication for maintenance in advance.
Don’t forget that with electric driving you save on fuel and road tax. Include those savings in the total costs. Most electric cars are more advantageous in the overall picture, especially if you drive many kilometers and keep the car for a long time.
Conclusion
An electric car needs less maintenance than a gasoline or diesel car, but it’s not completely maintenance-free. Tires, brakes, coolant, and the 12V battery require attention, and the MOT remains mandatory. The good news is that you no longer have oil changes and many components last longer. Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and your electric car will remain reliable for years.
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we’re happy to help you with maintaining your electric or hybrid car. For Renault electric models, we are an authorized workshop and can handle all maintenance and warranty cases. For other brands of electric cars, we perform regular maintenance: MOT tests, tire service, brakes, and general inspections. Wondering if we can help you? Feel free to call or email, and we’ll look together at what we can do for you.
Need help with your electric car maintenance?
Want to ensure your electric car continues to perform optimally? At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we’re ready to help you with expert service and personal advice. Whether it’s an MOT test, tire service, or a complete maintenance service, we’re happy to help you. Make an appointment and have your electric car professionally maintained by our experienced team.