Electric Vehicle Maintenance: What You Need to Know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a thing of the future—they’re here, quietly zipping along highways, saving fuel, and reshaping how we think about car ownership. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and whisper-quiet motors, EVs seem like a dream. But just like any vehicle, they still need regular care. In fact, understanding what kind of maintenance an electric vehicle needs is essential if you want to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
If you’re new to EV ownership or considering making the switch, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about electric vehicle maintenance in a way that’s simple, straightforward, and stress-free.
What Makes EV Maintenance Different?
The biggest difference between a traditional gasoline vehicle and an EV lies under the hood—or rather, what isn’t under the hood. Electric vehicles don’t have internal combustion engines. That means no spark plugs, no oil changes, no fuel filters, and no timing belts.
Instead, EVs run on an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. While this setup reduces the number of components that can wear out or fail, it doesn’t eliminate maintenance entirely. In fact, some parts of an EV need even more specialized attention.
Key Areas of Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Let’s take a closer look at what you do need to maintain in an electric vehicle:
1. Battery Health
The battery is the heart of any EV, and it’s also the most expensive component. Keeping it in top shape is essential.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Just like your phone battery, EV batteries don’t like extreme heat or cold. Parking in a garage or shaded area can help.
- Charge smart: Use Level 2 chargers when possible and avoid keeping your battery at 100% or letting it drain to 0%. Staying in the 20%-80% range prolongs battery life.
- Software updates: Many EVs include over-the-air updates that optimize charging patterns and battery performance.
While EV batteries are designed to last for years—often well over 10—a little care goes a long way in protecting their lifespan.
2. Brake Maintenance
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking systems that reduce wear and tear on brake pads. That’s a major plus for EV owners—but it doesn’t mean you can ignore your brakes entirely.
- Brake fluid still needs service. It can absorb moisture over time and should be checked regularly.
- Brake pads may last longer, but they still require inspection to ensure safety and performance.
3. Tire Care
EVs tend to be heavier than traditional vehicles because of their battery packs. That extra weight can put more stress on your tires.
- Check tire pressure frequently. Proper inflation improves efficiency and extends tire life.
- Rotate your tires regularly. Uneven tire wear can impact handling and safety.
- Watch for tire wear. Because EVs deliver instant torque, tires can wear down faster than expected, especially if you have a sporty driving style.
4. Coolant System
Yes, EVs still have cooling systems! They help manage the temperature of the battery, inverter, and onboard charger.
- Coolant levels and quality should be checked regularly.
- Flushes may be needed according to the manufacturer’s schedule, especially for high-mileage EVs.
Ignoring the cooling system could lead to battery overheating, which reduces efficiency and long-term reliability.
5. Cabin Air Filters
This one’s easy to overlook, but it’s important—especially since EVs are often marketed as cleaner, greener alternatives.
- Replace cabin air filters annually or as recommended. A clean filter ensures better air quality inside the vehicle.
- HEPA filters, common in many EVs, should be replaced more frequently in dusty or urban environments.
6. Suspension and Steering
EVs are still subject to bumps, potholes, and daily wear and tear.
- Regular inspections of suspension components, steering linkages, and bushings are crucial for a smooth, safe ride.
- Because of EV weight, suspension components may wear faster than in gas-powered cars.
7. Software and System Checks
Unlike traditional vehicles, electric cars rely heavily on software to control everything from charging to braking.
- Update vehicle software regularly. This can fix bugs, improve efficiency, and even add new features.
- Diagnostics should be run by EV-certified technicians to catch small issues before they become major repairs.
8. Charging Equipment
If you charge your EV at home, don’t forget the charger itself.
- Check cables and connectors for wear or corrosion.
- Ensure your charging station is functioning properly and is kept clean and dry.
While home chargers are generally low-maintenance, periodic inspections can prevent surprises.
The Importance of Professional EV Service
While EVs require less routine maintenance, they absolutely do need expert care—especially when it comes to high-voltage systems. That’s why finding a trusted service provider with certified EV technicians is key.
At Butterworth’s Service Centre Inc., we’ve invested in the tools, training, and technology to keep electric vehicles running at their best. Whether you need a routine check-up or a more advanced repair, our team has the experience to handle it safely and efficiently.
And we’re not just talking about EVs. From hybrid vehicles to traditional gas-powered cars, our workshop in Ingersoll is equipped to do it all—backed by decades of trusted service and a commitment to keeping your family safe on the road.
Need EV Maintenance in Ingersoll? Trust Butterworth’s Service Centre
As a NAPA AUTOPRO member and long-time family business, Butterworth’s Service Centre Inc. is proud to offer certified electric vehicle maintenance in a shop that feels like home. With amenities like EV charging, after-hours drop-off, and loaner vehicles, we make it easy to keep your EV in peak condition.
Schedule your next EV service with us today and experience the care that keeps Ingersoll moving.
