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Services: EVs and Teslas
Contrary to popular belief, a Tesla isn’t maintenance-free! Tom’s Automotive has all your EV maintenance needs covered, from tires to brakes to coolant.
Full Service Auto Repair in West Seattle Since 1971
Tesla and EV Maintenance
The car industry is constantly changing, and the latest, fastest-growing development is electric vehicles. EVs boast their fair share of benefits. They don’t need gas, which can mean significant cost savings, and they’re much better for the environment. Another one of the advantages often named for EVs is less maintenance requirements.
While that “less maintenance” idea is true, don’t be fooled into thinking you can buy a Tesla and drive it every day for years without ever needing to visit an auto shop. Your Tesla or other electric vehicle still needs regular servicing.
At Tom’s Automotive, we’re committed to ongoing education and keeping our team ahead of the ever-evolving industry. We offer comprehensive service and repair for cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and yes, EVs too. Let’s talk about EV maintenance and why it’s still essential to bring your electric car to the shop regularly.
Do EVs Need Oil Changes?
One common question people have about EVs is whether they need oil changes. The short answer is no, but that’s not the full picture. True, an electric vehicle doesn’t use oil as an internal combustion engine does, or even like a hybrid (yes, your hybrid needs oil changes!). Electric motors don’t have the gears and moving parts of traditional engines, so they don’t typically need lubricant.
However, your Tesla or EV still has various fluids that need to be checked and changed. It’s also worth noting that a few types of EVs do use a small amount of oil. Makes with range extenders, which are basically mini combustion engines, need a little bit of oil and will therefore occasionally require an oil change.
What Maintenance Does an EV Need?
Electric vehicles are often joked to be more similar to smartphones than to traditional cars. But the two vehicles still share a lot in common. For example, tires, brakes, coolant, lights…the list goes on. There’s still an EV maintenance checklist, and it’s still just as important for your car’s longevity, safety, and performance as it would be for a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Tires
Tires on an EV wear out just like tires on any other vehicle. In fact, they may even wear out faster, because EVs are often heavier (batteries weigh a lot!).
No matter what kind of car you have, regular tire rotation is a must. This ensures the tire tread wears out evenly, extending the life of your tires and reducing the risk of hydroplaning and blowouts. You’ll also need to check tire pressure and refill as needed for your EV, the same as you would for any other car.
Cooling System
Most electric vehicles keep their batteries cool the same way gasoline vehicles keep the engine cool: a cooling system that circulates coolant. If your EV has coolant, it will need to be checked, topped off, and flushed periodically. Depending on the type of EV, changing the coolant may only be a maintenance task for every couple of years. Consult your owner’s manual for the best guidelines for your car. We can also advise you on the proper maintenance schedule.
Brakes
A Tesla or EV still has mechanical brakes, and those eventually wear out. Brakes also rely on brake fluid, which needs to be flushed and replaced occasionally.
However, since electric vehicles use regenerative braking, the brake pads and rotors experience less wear and usually last longer. The type of EV and your driving conditions and habits will play a big role in how often you need to have your brakes or brake fluid replaced.
Lights, Filters, and Wipers
Your electric vehicle still has lights, windshield wipers, cabin air filters, and other odds and ends people often overlook. These things deserve attention, though. Your lights and wipers are a must-have for safe driving, and they don’t last forever. Check and refill your windshield wiper fluid regularly, replace the wipers every few months, and keep an eye out for head or tail lights that are out. And just as with a gas car, you should get the cabin air filter replaced occasionally, typically every year or two.
Request Tesla or EV Maintenance Today
As you can see, Teslas and other electric vehicles are far from maintenance-free! They may not need servicing as often or as many different types of services, but they still need regular maintenance. The better you take care of your car–regardless of what type it is–the better it performs and the longer it lasts.
Tom’s Automotive has all your EV maintenance needs covered. From a tire rotation to brake or wiper fluid replacement, we’ll keep it running smoothly. If you’ve recently purchased an EV, consider bringing it in for an inspection, during which we can also advise you on the best maintenance schedule for your specific make and model. Give us a call or request an appointment today!
