How often do electric cars need servicing?
EV service intervals explained
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Despite being ‘simpler’ with fewer moving parts under the bonnet, electric vehicles (EVs) are still cars and therefore need to be serviced.
But when should you get a full service or an interim/standard service? And what should you pay particular attention to?
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Do electric cars have less wear and tear?
Put simply, yes. Electric cars don’t have an engine that’s popping, squeezing, banging and blowing when it’s on, and instead have a much simpler system.
This consists of a battery system and an electric motor, which have far fewer moving parts that need to be maintained.
But a common misconception is that they never need to be serviced, but this isn’t the case. They do still need to be checked and looked after every year.
EV tyres and brakes
Two consumables you need to be aware of with EVs are tyres and brakes. Keeping both in tip-top shape not only keeps you safe but also helps efficiency, too.
Tyre wear:
Because electric cars are considerably heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts, and they have near-instant power delivery, they tend to go through tyres much more quickly.
It’s important to stay on top of your tyre wear, and they’re very easy to check. Simply place a 20p coin in the inner grooves of the tyre, and if you can see the band around the outside of the coin, you probably need new tyres.
Brake wear:
There’s good news in the brakes department. Thanks to regenerative braking, EV brakes are used far less than in other cars.
This means they can last many, many miles without being changed.
Don’t just rely on regenerative braking, though – not using the conventional friction brakes can leave rust to build up on the discs and pads. Remember to press the brake pedal occasionally to stay on top of this.
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When should I get my electric car serviced?
The general consensus is that you should service an electric car every 12-24 months or roughly every 10,000 to 20,000 miles – whichever comes first.
But we’d generally recommend getting a yearly service done at the same time as your MOT for added peace of mind.
Even if you don’t drive many miles, your car still needs to be maintained, and in fact, many issues arise on cars that aren’t driven enough.
When to get an interim EV service
An interim service (also known as a standard service) is more of a mid-year check-in for EVs that:
Do high mileage
Do a lot of stop/start driving in traffic/cities
Frequently use rapid chargers
Carry heavy loads (like towing)
This service can be done yearly, but if you regularly do the above, we’d recommend getting it done every six months.
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Other important checks for EVs
Aside from tyres and brakes, there are more important checks you need to do to keep your EV in exceptional working order.
Battery health
The battery is the heart of your EV, and while it’s designed to last, a little TLC goes a long way.
Most manufacturers recommend keeping your charge level between 20% and 80% for daily use to prevent degradation.
LFP batteries (a newer type of chemistry) tend to be more accepting of full and rapid charges – but they’re less energy-dense, so they’re generally used in shorter-range cars. You’ll be able to check which type you have by asking the manufacturer.
It’s also worth checking your car’s dashboard for the SOH (State of Health) percentage during your annual service.
Avoiding excessive use of rapid chargers can also help keep those lithium-ion cells happy for the long haul.
Motor health
Unlike a petrol engine with hundreds of moving parts, an electric motor is relatively simple, but it still needs a look-in.
The main thing to keep an eye on is the coolant system. Electric motors and their power electronics generate heat, so ensuring the specialised coolant is at the right level is vital to prevent overheating.
Listen out for any unusual whirring or grinding noises, which could be an early sign of a bearing issue.
Suspension and steering
EVs are heavy because of those big battery packs, which means they put a lot more strain on the suspension than a little city car.
You’ll want to check the bushes, dampers, and ball joints more frequently for signs of wear and tear.
If you notice the car pulling to one side or hearing a clunk when you go over a speed bump, it’s a sign that the extra weight has taken its toll on your suspension components.
Software
Think of your EV as a smartphone on wheels.
Manufacturers frequently release over-the-air (OTA) updates that can improve everything from your driving range to how fast you can charge.
They’ll usually need to be connected to Wi-Fi to get the update – but if your router doesn’t reach your driveway, consider hot-spotting from your phone or heading to a garage or charging station that has free Wi-Fi (like Tesla Superchargers).
Keeping your software up to date ensures your battery management system is running the latest, most efficient code, and it can even fix minor bugs without you having to visit a garage.
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EVs with smart maintenance
Because we now live in the age of AI and other clever software, many electric cars will constantly monitor themselves and tell you when it’s time for a service.
It works by using advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor key components in real-time, alerting drivers to service needs based on actual wear rather than fixed schedules.
This can help you save money, unnecessary visits and remind you when a service is due.
What’s included with an EV service?
At cinch, we offer two different levels of EV service: standard and full.
All our EV services get a full diagnostics and software updates, and an inspection of high-voltage components, cables, sockets, etc.
Full list: what you get in a cinch EV service
Our tips for keeping EV maintenance costs down
Drive smoothly to save your tyres
Tyres are a common expense for EV owners. Because EVs have instant torque and are heavier due to the battery, aggressive starts can wear out the rubber 20% faster than on a petrol car.
So, make sure you are gentle with your right foot, and your wallet will thank you.
Make the most of regenerative braking
Most EVs allow you to slow the car down just by lifting your foot off the accelerator. This is called regenerative braking, and it uses the motor to slow the car while recharging the battery, similar to engine braking.
There are usually a few different strengths. Use whichever one feels most natural and make the most of it. You’ll be amazed at how little you need to use the brakes (unless you have to stop immediately).
But don’t forget to use your brakes
Don’t ignore what we said above about regenerative braking, because this is a great way to save your brake pads.
But do make sure to use your brakes too. If you don’t use the brakes enough, surface rust can form on the calipers and can lead to the brakes seizing.
To avoid this, and when it’s safe to do so, perform an emergency stop to clear away some of this rust.
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Only rapid charge when you need to
One of the most common ways to extend the life of your EV is to charge it correctly.
There’s no right or wrong way to charge your car, but if you want to keep the battery health in great condition for as long as possible, slow charge it more than rapid charging.
Never skip a service
Even though there are no oil changes needed, booking your car in for an annual cinch service is vital for your car’s brain.
We’ll make sure it’s kept in the best possible shape for many more miles to come.
Book electric car servicing
At cinch, we offer a dedicated electric car service, starting at just £159.95.
All our EV services include a full diagnostics and software update(s) (if applicable), an EV inspection (high-voltage components, cables, socket, battery charging status) and other essential car health checks.
Book your electric car in for a service with us today to keep it working as well as the day it left the factory.