Electric Vehicle Basic Maintenance
The following is a comprehensive list of all of the basic maintenance for an electric vehicle. There is a lot less to do overall! On an electric vehicle, there are no oil changes, no chassis to lube, etc. On an electric car, there is a lot less maintenance to do overall!
In this page I lay out the basic maintenance required for an electric car for the entire life of the vehicle. I include a description of the maintenance, the frequency the maintenance must be performed at, a rough estimate of cost, the timeframe it should take to complete and the type of person best suited to perform the maintenance.
Enjoy saving money on maintenance EV Drivers!!!
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#1 Rotate the Tires
Electric Cars still have tires, and you want them to wear evenly. The tire need to be rotated every 7,000 miles.
Frequency: Every 7,000 miles
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $50-$80, or FREE
Estimated Time: 30-40minutes.
The BEST place to get this done is at a tire shop. Any worker at a tire shop will be able to rotate your tires, and they may* do it for FREE!!! It's not necessary to go to a mechanic to get this done, or to go to a dealership (Although, you can.) Most mechanics may consider this a waste of their time, and not lucrative for them. The dealership will perform this task for you, however, the dealership is expensive, and honestly the dealership is hit or miss with their quality of work. A regular mechanic who is not familiar with electric cars will also be able to perform this task.
I've honestly found that a tire shop is the best place to perform this piece of basic maintenance. They generally allow walk-ins without an appointment, the work is quality, the pricing is fair (or FREE) and they can generally get you in and out quickly. Lastly, they literally do this all day.
Basic Maintenance #1
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#2 Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Just like a combustion engine, Electric Vehicles do have Cabin Air Filters and they need to be replaced every 24,000 miles to ensure the air quality of the cabin. When you purchase this part at a parts store, or online, be sure to get the CABIN air filter. Vehicles will have multiple different air filters that each are located and function to filter the air in different parts of the vehicle. Be sure to get the CABIN air filter that filters the air that goes into the CABIN of the car, where you sit. If you purchase the wrong filter, it won't fit or function properly.
Frequency: Every 24,000 miles
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $12-$20
Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes.
This is a very simple task. Even a novice with no experience working on cars can perform this task. Even if you know almost nothing about your electric vehicle, you should be able to accomplish this. Your cabin air filter is located behind your glove box. To replace it you need to check your owners manual and purchase the correct cabin air filter. Just remove the glove box, open the plastic covering, and replace the filter. This task will take a skilled person 5 minutes or less. Or, if you struggle with it, perhaps it may take you 10 minutes. If you don't want to perform this task yourself, this would be great practice for someone who is learning or apprenticing to be a mechanic.
A regular mechanic who is not familiar with electric cars will also be able to perform this task. A dealership will also be able to perform this task. It's not necessary to go to a mechanic who specializes in electric cars for this task (Although you can.)
Basic Maintenance #2
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#3 Replace the Wiper Blades
You want to replace the wiper blades on your Electric Vehicle once/year.
Frequency: 1X per year
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $12-$24
Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes
Once a year, replace the wiper blades. Even if you are a novice and know nothing about cars, you may* be able to accomplish this yourself. Also, some parts stores will have their employees install your wiper blades for FREE. It's not necessary to go to the dealership or a mechanic to get this done.
BEST Person to perform this task: You, Parts Store Employee, Handyperson
Also able to accomplish this task: Mechanic, Dealership
Basic Maintenance #3
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#4 Replace the Brake Pads
Electric Cars still have brake pads. They are probably ceramic if you are driving an Electric Car, or Steel if you are driving an Electric Truck. The brake pads on any vehicle need to be replaced when thin, specifically when 3mm thin. Brake pads also need be replaced if they are rusty, or if the wear is uneven (that is a sign of another problem). Generally speaking, you can expect to replace your brake pads once every 2 years. However, the actual frequency that you need to replace your brake pads depends upon: how many miles you drive, your driving style, and how often/ hard you brake.
Frequency: 1X Every 2 years, when 3mm thin or if rusty
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $200-$300
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Roughly* every 2 years you will need to replace the brake pads. If you know how to do this yourself, and have the tools, Great! Go ahead and do this yourself. This is an intermediate difficulty level of mechanic work. Also, if you have a friend or know someone who is apprenticing or learning to be a mechanic, this would be great practice for them. And, likely it will cost you less money to pay them versus a regular mechanic.
BEST Person to perform this task: Regular Mechanic, Friend, You (if you know how and have the tools)
Also able to accomplish this task: Dealership
Basic Maintenance #4
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#5 Change the Brake Fluid
Electric Cars still have brake fluid, and that still needs to be changed. Remember, they innovated with the motor and the battery on electric cars, the other systems of the car are still similar to an combustion engine. They didn't innovate with the braking system. The brake fluid will need to be changed roughly* once every 3 years. The brake fluid will also need to be changed if it is dirty, if it is leaking or if it smells. Check with your owner's manual to see what type of brake fluid your vehicle uses, and the quantity. If your electric vehicle is 3+ years old, plan on changing the brake fluid now.
Frequency: 1X Every 3 years, or if dirty, leaking or smelly
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $300
Estimated Time: 1 Hour - 1.5 Hours
Once every 3 years, if dirty, leaking or smelly, the brake fluid in your vehicle needs to be changed. The brake system is a closed system, so generally speaking nothing should get in there. If your brake fluid is dirty, leaking or smelly, that means something has gotten into the system and you have a problem.
Changing the brake fluid is an intermediate difficulty level mechanic task. If you have gotten your hands dirty, so to speak, or worked on cars before, it would be possible for you to accomplish this task. However, it's really best to go a mechanic to have this task performed. There is a special machine that the mechanic uses to ensure that there is no moisture or air in the brake fluid. You probably don't own that machine, and performing this task yourself may* get air or water in the brake system. That's why it is really best to go to a regular mechanic to get this done. Just pay the mechanic for this task. It should* only need to be done once every 3 years.
BEST Person to perform this task: Regular Mechanic
Also able to accomplish this task: Dealership
Basic Maintenance #5
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#6 Coolant Flush
Electric Cars still have a coolant system that just like a combustion engine is designed to keep the engine cool. The system still contains a Radiator, Upper Radiator Hose, Lower Radiator Hose, Coolant, Coolant Reservoir and Radiator Cap. All of that is the same. What may or may not be different about your electric vehicle is that there may* be multiple coolant reservoirs. My Electric Vehicle has 3 coolant reservoirs. Essentially, instead of a single coolant loop, there may be 3 coolant loops. One for the Engine, one for the Battery, and one for the accessories.
However, the procedure for changing the coolant is still the same. You still just need to open the radiator release valve, drain the coolant into a pan, close the radiator release valve, refill the radiator with coolant, refill all 3 of the coolant reservoirs with coolant, and turn on the heater in the vehicle (to encourage the coolant to circulate and make sure there are no air bubbles, a good mechanic will know to do this).
Frequency: 1X Every 5 years or 100,000 miles, if discolored or cloudy
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $120-$150, or $40 DIY
Estimated Time: 1 hour -1.5 hours, + education time
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles you need to perform a coolant flush. Coolant (also known as Antifreeze) does not last forever, it does need to be replaced at a certain point. For a normal healthy vehicle you can expect to change your coolant once every 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The coolant also needs to be replaced if it is discolored or cloudy. If your coolant is discolored or cloudy that is a sign that your vehicle has a problem. You will need to have your mechanic diagnose the problem.
Replacing the coolant is a beginner difficulty level mechanical task. If you've gotten your hands dirty so to speak, or worked on cars, it would be possible for you to accomplish this task with a little instruction. I've performed this task on my car. It's not difficult and it requires very few tools. A regular mechanic will also know how to perform this task. They may be initially a little flummoxed, because the coolant system looks different and is different on Electric Vehicles. However, the procedure for changing the coolant is the same and they know how to do that. Also, if you know someone who is apprenticing/learning to be a mechanic, they would also be able to accomplish this task and this would be good practice for them.
BEST Person to perform this task: Regular Mechanic, You (with instruction), Apprentice Mechanic
Also able to accomplish this task: Dealership
Basic Maintenance #6
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#7 Replace the Air Conditioning Desiccant
A desiccant is a tool that separates 2 types of liquids. The Air Conditioning desiccant is a tool that separates the water in the air conditioner from the Freon. That specific part needs to be replaced once every 7 years.
Frequency: 1X Every 7 years
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $200-$300, or $40 DIY
Estimated Time: unknown
Once every 7 years you will need to have the air conditioning desiccant replaced. This part does not last forever, it does need to be replaced at a certain point. The physical part, the desiccant is only ~$40.
Replacing the air conditioning desiccant is a professional difficulty level task. If you know how to do this, great! Go ahead and perform this task yourself. However, I am guessing that the majority of readers do not know how to do this task. This task is best performed by a regular mechanic, one who does not specify in electric cars, but who DOES know about A/C Repairs. Also, if you know someone who is apprenticing/learning to be a mechanic, they may also be capable of accomplishing this task.
BEST Person to perform this task: Regular Mechanic who knows about A/C, Apprentice Mechanic
Also able to accomplish this task: Dealership
Basic Maintenance #7
For an Electric Vehicle there are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be performed FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. There is no oil to change. There is a lot less to do overall for maintenance in Electric Vehicles.
Electric Car
#8 Replace the Gas Struts
I know what you are thinking. Gas Struts? Yes, that is a bad name for a part for an Electric Vehicle.
Frequency: 1X Every 7 Years, 150,000 miles or if damaged
Who can perform this task:
Estimated Cost: $22-$24
Estimated Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Once Every 7 years or 150,000 miles you will need to replace the gas struts, whichever comes first. The gas struts also need to be replaced if they are damaged. If they are leaking hydraulic fluid, bent or broken they need to be replaced.
Replacing the gas struts is a beginner difficulty level task. Honestly, if you know nothing about electric cars or cars you may be able to accomplish this task. You are just unscrewing 4 screws and replacing the part and screwing those screws back in. This isn't difficult. Honestly, this task would be best performed by a Handyperson, (someone in carpentry, or someone who fixes things). A Handyperson who knows nothing about cars would be able to accomplish this task. I bet they not only would be able to accomplish this task, but they would do an excellent job. You may also be able to accomplish this task yourself. Go ahead and try! Also, if you know someone who is apprenticing/learning to be a mechanic, they would also be able to easily accomplish this task and this would be good practice for them.
BEST Person to perform this task: Handyperson, You, Apprentice Mechanic
Also able to accomplish this task: Regular Mechanic
Basic Maintenance #8
The gas struts are the hydraulic struts that allow your trunk or hatchback to open slowly. There are 2 on your vehicle. One at the top right and another at the top left of your trunk/hatchback. They look exactly like the hydraulic attachment that allows any door to open slowly.
The gas struts need to be replaced once every 7 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. In a normal healthy vehicle you can expect to replace this part once every 7 years. If your Electric Vehicle is 7+ years old, plan on replacing the gas struts immediately. The gas struts also need to be replaced if they are damaged. If they are leaking hydraulic fluid, or bent or broken, they need to be replaced.
What are the Gas Struts?
So, there you have it. There really are only 8 pieces of basic maintenance that NEED to be performed on an electric car. It’s far less costly to own an electric car. No oil changes needed. Think about all the money you spent on oil changes, on unexpected car repairs, on everything that has gone wrong with your combustion engine cars over the years. You have probably spent enough money to BUY an electric car at this point, or at least enough money for the down payment on an electric car. Imagine all the money you’ve spent on repairs, now if you could instead put that into the equity of your car. Everyone would be able to own an electric car. It makes financial sense.
Now, these are the 8 pieces of basic maintenance that need to be done. That doesn’t mean they are the only repairs that you will need to have done. You may still have other things that go wrong. You may still need to make cosmetic repairs on your car. Your turn signal may stop working. Etc. It is possible and probable that you will need to make other repairs on your electric car, over the years. However, it’s much cheaper to own an electric car. Save your money and save the headache of repairing your old broken combustion engine car. Go Electric!
Basic Maintenance may differ for your vehicle depending upon the Manufacturer, Make, Model and Year of your electric vehicle. The following basic maintenance is done for a Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Legal Disclaimers
Basic Maintenance may differ for your vehicle.
Maintenance pricing is for estimate purposes only.
Maintenance pricing is for estimate purposes only. The pricing of mechanical repairs will vary depending upon the venue of the repair, dealership, local repair shop or referral service. Pricing will vary depending upon a variety of factors, such as: geographic area, competitiveness of the market, type of repair, experience of the mechanic, fair price of labor, honesty of the mechanic, estimated time to complete the repair and overall knowledge about repairing electric cars, pricing of parts, availability of parts, and other repairs waiting to be completed in the shop.
Do not attempt to repair your car yourself.
If you are not a trained and licensed mechanic, do not attempt to repair your vehicle yourself. Attempting to repair your electric vehicle yourself may result in damage to the vehicle, damage or injury to yourself or destruction of nearby property. Do not attempt to repair your electric vehicle yourself if you are not a trained and licensed mechanic.
Not encouragement to attempt to repair your vehicle yourself.
The following is not encouragement for any novice, or intermediate do it yourself mechanics to attempt to repair your electric vehicle.
Time to repair the vehicle is for estimate purposes only.
Times given to repair the vehicle are averages and for estimate purposes only. The actual time it takes a mechanic to repair the vehicle may vary based upon, availability of parts, experience of the mechanic, experience with that specific repair, challenges and errors and generally the overall knowledge and experience your mechanic has. Acutal repair time may be longer or shorter than time estimated.
Electric Vehicle Basic Maintenance Lists and Checklists
I have created two documents that will help you keep track of the basic maintenance performed on your electric vehicle.
The first document is a list. It lists all of the basic maintenance required for an electric car for the first 6 years.
The second document is a checklist. It lists all of the basic maintenance required per year and gives a check spot. The checklist also has a place to notate the cost and the amount of time spent.
Both of these documents should be helpful to you in maintaning your electric vehicle and keeping accurate and correct documentation on the maintenance.