For maintenance on your electric car, you don’t always have to go to the dealer. Many standard maintenance tasks, such as MOT tests, tires, and air conditioning service, can be performed by general garages. Only for battery-related problems, software updates, and warranty work is specialized knowledge necessary. Choose a garage that has experience with electric vehicles and holds the proper certifications.
What is different about electric car maintenance?
Electric cars require significantly less maintenance than traditional gasoline or diesel cars. The electric motor has only one moving part, while a combustion engine has hundreds of moving parts. This means no oil changes, no spark plug replacements, and less wear on important components.
Regenerative braking ensures that brake pads wear much less. When braking, the electric motor uses the kinetic energy to charge the battery, so you brake physically less. This means brake pads often last two to three times longer.
New points of attention are the high-voltage battery and the charging system. These components require specific knowledge and safety training. The cooling of the battery and electronics also requires different expertise than traditional car maintenance.
In practice, you’ll notice that maintenance intervals are longer and costs are lower. Where you replace oil every 15,000 kilometers in a gasoline car, with electric cars we mainly check the battery condition and software updates.
Which maintenance tasks can you have done at any garage?
Most standard maintenance tasks on electric cars can be performed perfectly well by general garages. These tasks don’t differ from those on traditional vehicles and don’t require specialized EV knowledge.
Standard tasks that any garage can do:
- MOT inspections (legally required)
- Tire service: changing, balancing, and alignment
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Air conditioning maintenance and repairs
- Brake inspection and replacement
- Suspension and shock absorbers
- Lighting inspection and replacement
- Window repair and replacement
These components work mechanically the same as in traditional cars. A general garage has the right tools and knowledge for this. So you can simply go to your trusted garage for this type of maintenance and repairs.
Do note that some garages are more cautious with electric cars due to unfamiliarity. Always ask in advance if they have experience with your type of electric car.
When do you need to go to a specialized garage or dealer?
For complex electrical systems and battery-related problems, you need specialized knowledge. Not every garage has the training and equipment to work safely on high-voltage systems of 400–800 volts.
Specialized tasks that require expertise:
- Battery diagnostics and repairs
- Software updates and programming
- Warranty work (required at authorized dealers)
- High-voltage cables and connectors
- Charging system malfunctions
- Electric motor problems
- The thermal management system
Also for warranty work you often have to go to an authorized dealer. Many car manufacturers require that warranty repairs be performed by certified workshops with access to original parts and software.
For lease cars, the same requirement often applies: maintenance at an authorized dealer to keep the warranty valid. Always check your warranty and lease conditions before going to a general garage.
How do you recognize a garage that is suitable for electric cars?
A suitable garage for electric cars has specific certifications and experience. Not all garages that claim to be able to service EVs actually have the proper training and equipment.
Important certifications to ask about:
- NEN 3140 certification for working on electrical installations
- Brand-specific training (Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, etc.)
- High-voltage safety training
- EV diagnostic equipment
Ask these practical questions before making an appointment:
- How many electric cars do you service per month?
- Which brands of electric cars do you handle?
- Do you have access to brand-specific software and diagnostic tools?
- Are your mechanics certified for high-voltage work?
- Can you perform software updates?
A reliable garage gives honest answers to these questions. If they remain vague or claim to “be able to do everything,” then look further. Safety with high-voltage systems is no joke.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with electric car maintenance
We specialize in the maintenance of hybrid and electric cars, with specific training and equipment for EV systems. Our mechanics are trained to work safely on high-voltage systems and have experience with various brands of electric vehicles.
Our EV services include:
- MOT inspections for electric and hybrid cars
- Battery condition checks and diagnostics
- Advice on charging capacity and regenerative braking
- Standard maintenance: tires, brakes, air conditioning
- Tire service with EV-suitable tires
- Repairs on all EV brands (where possible)
We mainly handle electric Renault models, such as the Zoe and Kangoo E-Tech, but also other brands for standard maintenance. For complex brand-specific problems, we honestly refer you to the right specialist.
Autobedrijven Verdonk also performs maintenance and repairs for all other car brands.
Would you like to have your car prepared for winter or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or visit us in Veldhoven. Read more about our history or contact us for an appointment.