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Electric vehicles, looked after right.
EVs need less maintenance than gas cars. Not none. We look after the tires, brakes, suspension, 12-volt battery and climate systems your EV still depends on, and we're clear about what we leave to specialists.
- Tires, brakes, suspension
- Hybrids and plug-ins too
- High-voltage repairs referred
What an EV still needs
Electric cars have fewer moving parts and fewer fluids to change than gas cars, so they need less maintenance.1 Many need no oil changes or tune-ups, and have no spark plugs or engine air filters to replace.2
Less isn't none. Tires, brakes, suspension, the 12-volt battery and the climate system all still need looking after, and we handle all of it.
Tires
EVs are heavier and deliver instant torque, and that combination increases tire wear.3 Pressure checks, rotations and EV-ready tires.
Rotation and alignment
Periodic rotation and alignment promote even wear across all four tires.3
Brakes
Regenerative braking cuts brake wear significantly,1 but pads, rotors, calipers and brake fluid still get inspected and serviced.
Suspension and steering
Shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints and tie rods checked and replaced, set up to your maker's spec.
12-volt battery
Tested and replaced. Without it, an EV won't start, even with a full main battery.4
Cabin air and climate
Cabin air filters, AC service and heating checks on your maker's schedule.
Wipers, lights and fluids
Wiper blades, bulbs, washer fluid and coolant level checks.
Scheduled maintenance
Inspections on your maker's schedule, with a record of everything we did.
What we leave to specialists
EVs run high-voltage systems that typically range from 400 to 1,000 volts, and their high-voltage cables are usually marked in orange.1
We don't repair the high-voltage battery, the electric drive motors or their power electronics. For that work, we'll point you to your dealer or a certified EV specialist, and we'll keep looking after everything else on the car.
The 12-volt battery
Every EV also has a small 12-volt battery, and it matters more than most drivers think.
- It runs the windows, door locks, lights, infotainment and onboard computers, and it starts the car.4
- If it dies, the car won't start, even with the main battery fully charged.4
- Never jump-start an EV with another EV or a hybrid. Use a gas car or a jumper pack, on the 12-volt battery only.4
- Never try to jump-start the main high-voltage battery.4
Tires for electric cars
The extra weight and instant torque of an EV increase tire wear.3 Michelin’s advice for making them last:
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids have gas engines, so their maintenance is similar to a regular car's.1
Oil changes, filters, spark plugs, belts, brakes, tires and suspension: we do all of it. High-voltage repairs go to a specialist, the same as on an EV.
EV questions
Straight answers to what EV owners ask us.
Do electric cars need oil changes?
Battery-electric cars have no engine oil to change. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids do, because they have gas engines.
Can you fix my EV's battery?
The 12-volt battery, yes: we test it and replace it. The high-voltage battery and electric drive, no. We'll point you to your dealer or a certified EV specialist.
Do EV tires wear faster?
The extra weight and instant torque increase tire wear, so regular pressure checks, rotations and alignments matter.
Do you service hybrids?
Yes. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids get the same maintenance as gas cars, plus tires, brakes and suspension. High-voltage repairs go to a specialist.
Sources
The facts on this page come from these sources. The small numbers in the text link here.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maintenance and safety of electric vehicles
- Government of Canada: Benefits of driving a zero-emission vehicle
- Michelin: How to reduce tire wear on electric vehicles
- AAA Club Alliance: Jump-starting an EV: take these precautions to prevent damage
Book EV service.
Tell us your make and model, and what you need done. We'll call you back to set a time.