Why choose the RAC for your electric car service?
At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. So giving our members service they can trust matters. That's why we offer MOT and services from our RAC Approved Garages. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.
Full electric service
A comprehensive set checks to make sure your car’s safe and working correctly. A visual inspection of your high voltage components will also be carried out.
Interim electric service
A series of checks to keep your car running smoothly between full services. A visual inspection of your high voltage components will also be carried out.
Content Guide
Introduction
Electric car service
Whether you’re new to electric vehicles (EVs) or have had one for years, regular servicing is key to keeping them in good shape. This guide explains what happens during an electric car service and why it’s important to find a good service provider.
What does an electric car service involve?
An electric car service checks various parts of your vehicle to make sure they work properly. Here are what mechanics usually look at:
- Battery health
- Mechanics usually test your battery to make sure it can hold a charge and power your car effectively.
- Basic checks
- Mechanics will look at your fluid, wipers and actual brake lining to make sure everything is up to standard.
- Safety checks
- Mechanics should check your brakes, tyres, and lights to make sure you can drive safely.
- Electrical systems
- EVs rely on their electrical systems more than other cars. Mechanics will inspect these to help prevent electrical faults. They will typically carry out a physical inspection on cables and connectors on the low voltage system.
- Cooling system
- This system helps prevent your car’s battery and motor from overheating. Mechanics will check to make sure it’s working right.
- Diagnostics
- Mechanics will run a diagnostic check to use tools to find any hidden issues before they become big problems.
- Cable and connector inspection
- Mechanics look at your charging cables and connectors for any signs of wear or damage.
These steps keep your electric car in top condition. Regular checks help spot issues early, saving time and money. Remember, different garages and mechanics might perform slightly different checks. Talk to your mechanic about the tests they perform
Key differences in an electric car service
Servicing an electric car is different than a petrol or diesel vehicle. Some of the differences include:
- Fewer moving parts
- EVs have fewer mechanical parts. This means less wear and tear. However, the parts they do have are crucial and often high-tech, so they need more scrutiny.
- Battery care
- The battery is the most important part of an electric car. It’s important to spend a lot of time checking its health and efficiency because it affects your car’s performance.
- High-voltage systems
- Electric cars use high-voltage electrical systems. Looking after these safely requires specific skills and equipment.
- Regenerative braking
- This system helps to charge the battery while you drive. Mechanics check it to make sure it’s working well, as it’s unique to electric vehicles.
These differences show why expert knowledge is needed for electric car servicing. It’s important to remember that different garages and mechanics may have variation in what they service. You should talk to your garage or mechanic for further information.
Electric car service cost
The cost of servicing an electric car can vary, but here are some factors that influence it:
- Service type
- Whether it’s a basic check-up, or a complete service will affect the cost.
- Battery condition
- Since the battery is a major component, its condition can impact the overall service cost. Replacing parts or updating software may be needed.
- Vehicle make and model
- Different models might need specific parts or services which can change the cost.
- Age of vehicle
- Older vehicles may need more thorough checks or replacements, increasing the service price.
Regular servicing can prevent costly repairs in the future. It’s an investment in your vehicle by making sure it stays reliable and efficient. Getting a few respective quotes to understand the general costs and price you might be expected to pay is a good idea.
What vehicle service do you need?
Choosing the right type of service for your electric vehicle depends on several factors:
- Basic health check
- Ideal for EVs that are driven less frequently. This service focuses on battery health and basic electrical systems.
- Standard service
- Recommended for regular use vehicles. This includes all the checks of a basic service plus a deeper look into software updates and the regenerative braking system.
- Comprehensive service
- Best for high-mileage EVs or those out of warranty. It covers all standard checks and dives deeper into potential wear and tear on high-voltage components and the cooling system.
Think about how you use your car and how long it has been since the last service to choose the right one for you. It’s important to remember that different garages and mechanics may carry out a slightly different process. Speak to your mechanic to find out what they are going to do.
Frequently Asked Questions on electric vehicle service
Electric car services focus on looking after the unique parts of electric vehicles (EVs). This includes checking the battery, electric motor, and other electronics. They also covers tyre rotation, brake checks, and software updates.
Yes, electric cars need regular servicing to ensure they run well. While they have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, parts like the battery, motor, and brakes still require regular care.
The cost of an electric car service in the UK can vary, but it’s generally less expensive than servicing a petrol or diesel car, as there are fewer parts that require care.
Yes, EV cars need an MOT after three years, just like petrol or diesel cars. The MOT test includes checks on lights, tyres, brakes, and other important parts to ensure the car is safe to drive on the road.
Not all garages can service electric cars. It's important to take your EV to a garage with mechanics trained to work on electric cars. These garages have the right tools and knowledge to maintain your EV properly.
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