Servicing and maintaining a used electric Car
User Maintenance
No engine oil to check (if you are the sort that does that!) so the tyre pressure and condition, and level of the windscreen washer fluid are the only things to watch between services.
Where To Get Your Older Electric Car Serviced
Joe Electric has just completed his IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Level 4 qualification in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance, at Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland.
While there is significantly less work to be done at the regular service intervals, these checks are as necessary as those on any other car. Many smaller garages may be unwilling to undertake the work because they think they do not have the experience and tools required, although in reality the electric car components - motors controllers and battery, do not require regular maintenance. Checks and maintenance on the Brakes, wheels, Steering, lights, wipers, etc are same as in a Petrol or Diesel car. The same diagnostic computers that connect with modern Petrol and Diesel cars to read fault codes and operate service functions, work on EV's .
HOWEVER - ONLY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN CAN WORK ON THE HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM SO MANY SMALLER GARAGES WOULD HAVE TO SEND THE CAR TO A SPECIALIST OR DEALER FOR SOME JOBS.
Who can undertake all maintenance tasks on an Electric Car
The number of qualified technicians is increasing, thanks to Government support for training, and preparations by dealers to support cars they have sold.
At present your choices are limited to:
- Manufacturer's Dealership -Using a dealer for service is likely to be helpful (although in UK and Europe should not be necessary) should you need to avail of warranty on the car - particularly in the unlikely but expensive event of a battery failure.
- Independent garages who have qualified technicians and equipment to work on High Voltage system. There are only a few of these, at present, but search on the internet you may get lucky.
DIY maintenance on Electric Cars
Few are recommending DIY maintenance at present, and Joe, having qualified to work on them himself understands why - An electric shock from the high voltage systems in Electric Cars can kill or injure, and while the systems are designed to be safe, special precautions are necessary when working on or around the high voltage components and cables (normally coloured orange). Be aware that the Air Conditioning system can include high voltage components.
If accident or other damage could have compromised the High Voltage electrical system including its cables, specialist advice should be sought.