During a service appointment for an electric car, the brakes, fluids, tires, and safety systems are inspected. The engine, oil filter, and timing belt are not part of the process — an electric car simply doesn’t have them. This generally makes the service appointment less extensive than for a gasoline car, but it certainly isn’t unnecessary. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about electric car maintenance.
Which parts of an electric car do require maintenance?
An electric car has no combustion engine, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to maintain. The brakes, coolant, windshield washer fluid, tires, brake fluid, and air conditioning all require attention. The high-voltage battery and electric drivetrain are also inspected during a service visit.
Here is an overview of the components that regularly need attention in an electric vehicle:
- Brakes: Electric cars brake largely through regenerative braking, which means the brake discs and pads wear down more slowly. However, they rust faster due to limited use. Regular inspection remains necessary.
- Brake fluid: Absorbs moisture over time and must be replaced periodically, just like in any other car.
- Coolant: Electric drivetrains and batteries generate heat. The cooling system maintains the correct temperature and requires maintenance.
- Tires: Electric cars are heavier and deliver instant torque, which leads to increased tire wear. Checking tread depth and tire pressure is especially important.
- Air conditioning: The AC system requires periodic maintenance, regardless of the type of drivetrain.
- Windshield washer fluid and wipers: Simple, but often overlooked.
- Cabin air filter: Filters the air inside the cabin and needs to be replaced regularly.
How does an electric car service differ from a gasoline car service?
The biggest difference is that an electric car has no oil, oil filter, spark plugs, timing belt, or exhaust system. Those maintenance items are eliminated entirely. As a result, servicing an electric car is less labor-intensive and often cheaper than servicing a gasoline car.
What does come into play are specific checks for the electric system: battery condition, the charging system, high-voltage cables, and software updates. Modern electric cars are largely software-driven devices. Manufacturers regularly release updates that are applied through the workshop.
A technician working on an electric car must also be certified to work with high-voltage systems. This is a safety requirement, not a luxury. Not every garage holds that certification.
How often does an electric car need to go to the garage?
Most electric cars follow a service interval of once a year or every 12,000 to 18,000 miles, depending on the make and model. This is comparable to a gasoline car, although the work carried out per visit is more limited.
Always consult the owner’s manual for your specific car. Manufacturers such as Renault provide clear service schedules. Some electric cars will notify you when a service appointment is due, based on mileage and driving behavior.
In addition to the regular service appointment, electric cars are also subject to the mandatory vehicle inspection: the first inspection after four years, then annually. This is the same as for gasoline cars.
What is the average cost of an electric car service?
A minor service for an electric car typically costs between $250 and $400. A major service, during which more systems are thoroughly checked, can run from $400 to $900. This is generally lower than for a gasoline car of a similar size, since expensive items such as oil, an oil filter, and spark plugs are not needed.
The exact price depends on the make, model, and age of the car. Some manufacturers offer fixed maintenance contracts, where you pay a set monthly amount with no surprises. Always ask your garage for a transparent quote in advance.
Does an electric car have to go to an authorized dealer for maintenance?
No, an electric car does not necessarily have to go to the official dealer for maintenance. An independent garage may also carry out maintenance, as long as they are certified for high-voltage systems and use the correct equipment and parts. As long as the maintenance is recorded in the service logbook, the warranty remains fully valid.
There is one exception: if you drive a leased vehicle where the contract specifically requires an authorized dealer, you are bound by that requirement. Check your lease agreement for the exact terms.
For Renault drivers, authorized maintenance and repairs can be carried out by a certified Renault dealer workshop, even if it is not a large dealership.
What happens to the battery during a service appointment?
During a service appointment for an electric car, the battery condition is read out using diagnostic software. The technician checks the charging capacity, the health of the cells, and whether any fault codes are active. This provides a clear picture of how the battery is performing at that point in time.
What a technician does not do is disassemble or physically inspect the battery during a standard service appointment. That only happens when there is a specific reason to do so, such as a fault warning, a significant reduction in driving range, or visible damage.
Batteries in modern electric cars generally last a long time, but wear is inevitable. Over time, the maximum charging capacity decreases slightly. How quickly this happens depends on driving behavior, charging habits, and temperature conditions. Regularly charging between 20 and 80 percent helps keep the battery in good condition for longer.
How Autobedrijf Verdonk helps with electric car maintenance
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we are specifically trained and equipped for the maintenance and servicing of hybrid and electric vehicles. We advise you on battery condition, charging capacity, regenerative braking, and the specific maintenance intervals that apply to electric drivetrains. No vague stories — just honest explanations of what your car needs.
- Certified for high-voltage systems
- Diagnostic software for the battery and electric drivetrain
- Maintenance for all makes, with a specialization in Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, and Dacia
- Transparent pricing and honest advice
- Personal service, without the dealership hassle
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car brands.
Would you like to get your car ready for winter, or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or stop by in Veldhoven. Read more about our history or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.