What's involved in an EV service?

When it comes to the world of electric vehicles (EVs), your typical servicing centre won’t cut it. While internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are packed with lots of moving parts, fluids and oily filters, EVs are sleek, high-voltage machines that prioritise electronics and thermal management.

Because EVs are engineered differently, they require specialised tools and technicians trained in high-voltage safety. The good news is that there are significantly fewer parts to wear out, which generally means more time on the road and less time in the shop. Here is how an EV service actually works and what you need to know to keep your battery humming.

The battery

• Cooling systems: Many EVs use a dedicated liquid cooling system to keep the battery at the perfect temperature. Just like an engine radiator, this coolant may need to be checked or replaced to prevent overheating.

• The 12V backup: Even though you have a massive battery under the floor, your car still uses a standard 12V battery to run things like your lights, door locks, and infotainment screen. This little battery can still fail and is a common check during a routine service.

• The charging port: They also check the charging port for debris, bent pins, or signs of heat damage, which can happen if a public charger plug was forced or dirty.

Software maintenance

While many brands offer over the air updates, a physical service allows technicians to perform manual resets or install critical firmware updates that optimise everything from motor efficiency to how your safety features respond.

Brake fluid

One of the best perks of an EV is regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the car down and put energy back into the battery. This means your physical brake pads and rotors can last much longer than those on a petrol car.

However, brake fluid is still essential. Because EVs are significantly heavier than ICE cars, they require high performance fluid like DOT 5.1. This fluid has a higher boiling point, ensuring your brakes remain responsive even when decelerating a heavy vehicle from highway speeds.

Suspension and steering

EVs are heavy, and that weight puts extra pressure on the suspension. Technicians look for premature wear in the shock absorbers, springs, and control arms. While your steering is electronic rather than hydraulic (meaning no messy power steering fluid), the system still requires a physical check for fault codes in the control module and general wear in the steering rack.

Tyres

Because EVs deliver instant torque and carry more weight, they can be quite tough on rubber. It is common for EVs to require more frequent tyre rotations and alignments to ensure the tread wears evenly. Keeping your tyres in top shape is also the easiest way to protect your driving range.

Cabin air filter & wiper blades

While the high-voltage motor and battery systems are a departure from the norm, checking and replacing your cabin air filter and wiper blades remain exactly the same as a traditional petrol car. Some premium EVs even use HEPA filters to offer medical grade air quality, which is a great upgrade if you suffer from hay fever.

Service schedule and costs

The "when" and "how much" of EV servicing is where it gets interesting.

• Frequency: Most brands recommend a check up every 12 to 24 months. Interestingly, Tesla doesn't follow a fixed schedule; instead, the car monitors its own health and notifies you through the app when it’s time to visit a service center.

• Price tag: Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a standard annual service. Since there are no oil changes or spark plugs to buy, many manufacturers offer capped price servicing to keep your costs predictable.

Some tips you should consider

You can actually reduce your long term service costs at home.

• The 80/20 rule: To prevent "lithium plating" (which slows energy flow), try to keep your charge between 20% and 80% for daily use. Only top up to 100% when you're heading out on a long road trip.

• Temperature control: Extreme heat can cause unwanted chemical reactions. If possible, park in the shade or a garage. In winter, use your car's precondition function while it's still plugged in to warm the battery to its optimal temperature before you drive.

• Charge smart: While fast chargers are great for trips, frequent high voltage charging can stress the battery cells. Slower AC charging at home is usually the "healthiest" way to power up.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll ensure your EV stays as efficient as the day you bought it. If you're looking to make the switch to electric, check out our full range to see if a pre-owned EV is right for you.