FAQ's
How often should an electric/hybrid vehicle be serviced?
Electric/Hybrid cars should be serviced at the same intervals as a car with a combustion engine, which is at least every 12 months.
What is involved in an electric/hybrid vehicle service?
Like petrol / diesel powered vehicles key components will be checked such as;
- Bodywork
- Interior & exterior lights
- Operation & condition of windscreen washers/wipers
- Braking components
- Steering & suspension components
- Condition of tyres & adjusting tyre pressures
- Vehicles underside
- Spare wheel/mobility kit.
- Check the condition of fluids & top up where necessary
- Replacing air cabin filter to ensure interior air pollutants are kept to a minimum.
With the addition of Electric / Hybrid specific items
- High voltage battery
- Checking charge connector & cable.
- High voltage cabling and components condition & routing
- Charging vehicle
- Engine oil & oil filter change (Hybrid only)
What maintenance needs to be carried out for an electric/hybrid vehicle?
The maintenance checks required are very similar to a conventional engine powered vehicle. You will need to periodically check the basics such as checking & adjusting the tyre pressures, checking the operation of exterior lights and ensuring the fluid levels are correct such as the brake fluid, screenwash & coolant level. If in any doubt feel free to visit us for one of the team to assist/advise.
How much does it cost to run/service an electric vehicle?
After the generally higher purchase cost electric vehicles are noticeably cheaper to run. Many components that fail on petrol/diesel cars are not fitted to electric vehicles meaning you will save on these expensive repair bills, Also due to regenerative braking wear and tear on brake components are also minimised. In use emissions are low to nil there for road tax is often free of charge.
How can I prolong the life of my battery?
There are a few things that are advised to help prolong the life of your battery;
Avoid constantly fully charging your electric car while this reduces your range, it can increase the lifespan of your battery and will allow room for regenerative braking, which would not be possible with a fully charged battery.
Ensure annual servicing is carried out, spending money on routine servicing will minimise costly repairs in the future.
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Are electric vehicles better for the environment?
Electric vehicles are certainly a step in the right direction for eco-friendly transport, with no engine producing harmful emissions the major factor is how the electricity is produced, however even electricity produced from fossil fuels has been proven to be an improvement over combustion engined vehicles. To improve your carbon footprint choose a ‘green’ energy provider that generates it power from renewable sources such as from wind, solar or hydroelectricity.