servicing an electric car Page 38

Servicing an electric car is mostly about tyres, fluids and software, not greasy timing belts and spark plugs.

Expect an annual or 15,000–20,000 km check for tyre rotation/alignment, cabin filter, and system diagnostics; brake pads usually last ages thanks to regeneration.

Workshops will inspect brake fluid (often replaced around 2–3 years), and battery/thermal coolant per the maker’s schedule (typically long-life intervals).

Costs are usually lower than petrol cars: routine inspections can be around $150–$300, with occasional fluid/coolant services $300–$600, brand and model depending.

Keep software up to date, listen for tyre roar (EVs are quiet, so tyres do the shouting), and don’t skip the logbook just because there’s no exhaust.

If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and use a tech who actually knows their kilowatts from their kettle cords.