Do electric cars need oil changes?

If you own an electric vehicle, or if you’re considering whether or not to purchase an EV, you may have heard that EVs require less routine maintenance than traditional internal combustion vehicles.  While that’s true, there are still recommended maintenance items that should be performed to keep your EV running in top shape for as long as possible.

Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?

The simple answer to this question is no, EVs don’t require oil changes. The reason is simple, a fully electric vehicle doesn’t have an internal combustion engine that uses oil to cool and lubricate the motor.

In addition to no oil changes, EVs eliminate over two dozen mechanical components found in internal combustion vehicles that would normally need periodic service. With an EV, you don’t have to pay for things like tune-ups, cooling system flushes, transmission servicing, or replacement of air filters, spark plugs, or drive belts. It’s estimated that an EV owner will spend approximately 1/3 of what a conventional car owner would pay for maintenance over the life of the vehicle.

Recommended Services for an Electric Vehicle

Here’s is an example of an EV manufacturers recommended service schedule. This is for a Chevrolet Bolt, but it should be similar for your particular EV. Check your owner’s manual for the best information for your vehicle.

Monthly

• Once a month, you should check the air pressure in your tires. Over or under inflating your tires can affect the lifespan of the tires and can also reduce the range of your electric vehicle.

Every 7,500 Miles

At 7,500 mile intervals, you should have the following items performed:

• Rotate tires
• Check coolant levels for the battery, cabin heater, power inverter, accessory power, and charger modules
• Visually check for fluid leaks
• Inspect the brakes
• Visually inspect the steering, suspension, and chassis components for damage.
• Inspect the power steering, half shafts, and drive shafts for excessive wear, leaks, or damage
• Check the airbags systems
• Lubricate door locks
• Check the accelerator pedal for damage, high effort, or binding and replace if necessary
• Visually inspect the gas struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other damage

Twice a Year

• Flush corrosive materials (road salts) from the underbody with clear water

Every 15,000 Miles

• In addition to the 7,500 mile schedule, you should replace your wiper blades

Every 36,000 Miles

• Replace the cabin air filter. If you live in a very busy or dusty area, do this more often

Every 75,000 Miles

• Replace the hood and/or body lift gas struts

Every Five Years

• Drain and fill the vehicle coolant circuits
• Replace the brake fluid

Every Seven Years

• Have the air conditioning desiccant changed (this absorbs and holds moisture in the air conditioning system to prevent corrosion)

Other Routine Maintenance Items

In addition to this maintenance schedule, you’ll have to replace tires and brakes. You could also have to service or replace components of the steering system or suspension, hoses, headlamps, taillights, and so on. At any time, if the car seems to be pulling to the right or left, or if you notice uneven tire wear, you should have the wheel alignment checked.

Battery Pack

This is the big one, as for most EVs, the battery pack is the most expensive item to replace. All electric vehicle batteries degrade over time and lose some of their ability to maintain a full charge. Thankfully, this happens gradually, but it will happen. If you own your EV long enough, you’ll see its range decline, and if this becomes a nuisance for you, you can either change out the battery pack or trade in the vehicle for a newer one.  

Final Words

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as they become more affordable. One of the major benefits of an EV is that they require far less maintenance than a similar internal combustion vehicle. Though they don’t require the extensive maintenance of a traditional vehicle, there are still important  system checks that need to be carried out at various intervals. By rigorously following your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and paying attention to how your vehicle is performing from day to day, you can be assured that your EV will give you good service for many years.

For over 50 Years V&H Automotive has been serving Marshfield and Central Wisconsin with New Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM Trucks. From Wausau to Wisconsin Rapids, or Stevens Point to Medford – we’re a short drive from anywhere for friendly service and very competitive pricing. If you have any automotive needs, check out our website or contact us at 715-387-2545. Better yet, stop in for a visit!

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