Chevy Electric Car Maintenance Guide

Maintaining an electric vehicle (EV) is very different from caring for one with a gasoline or diesel engine. Basic mechanical parts, such as tires and wheels, are identical, but the powertrain, suspension, and brake systems in an EV are unique. Just as there isn’t an engine, these vehicles don’t have an exhaust system, oil, pistons, or other components required for internal combustion.

Although EVs have a streamlined design that generally requires less upkeep, there are still a few items you’ll need to maintain and repair to get the most out of your drivetrain, which is also the most expensive component to replace. Follow the tips in this guide to prolong the life of your vehicle, and remember to shop for electric cars and automotive services at Jack Burford Chevrolet.

Schedule Electric Vehicle Service

Do Chevy electric cars need servicing?

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Yes, like any vehicle, Chevy electric automobiles need to be serviced, though not as frequently. Like other electric cars, Chevy EVs have no spark plugs, engine oil, engine filters, physical transmission gears, clutch fluids, exhaust systems, fuel lines, fuel hoses, or gas tanks.

Instead, a technician must inspect an EV’s parts, such as high-voltage battery packs, electric motors, charging ports, and the battery management system. Beyond that, both electric and combustion cars share certain components or fluids and will require services related to:

• Brake fluid, pads, and discs
• Transmission fluid
• Cabin air filters
• Air conditioning
• Tires
• Suspension joints
• Parking brakes
• Steering rack and power steering system
• Vehicle and infotainment software
• Airbags and seatbelts
• Lighting, wipers, and other exterior features

For one of the more infrequent but important tasks, every 22,000 miles or two years, your brakes and brake fluid should be inspected and changed. The coolant system should be changed every 150,000 miles or five years, and you should replace your air conditioning desiccator roughly every seven years. Each vehicle has its own service recommendations, so check your specific Chevy model’s owner’s manual for a detailed schedule.

What services do electric cars need, and when?

EVs have a few extra parts that internal combustion engine vehicles don’t retain. The most crucial component is the battery, which should be occasionally checked for leaks. Although the problem is rare, it’s important to address any indicators of premature wear before the battery pack’s performance and life span are compromised.

Also, for models that don’t have over-the-air updates, you might need to manually install software updates. You can often do this with the appropriate app, but a skilled Chevy dealership will happily do it for you.

Electric cars, like traditional vehicles, also have a temperature management system using what’s called EV battery coolant, which should be replaced every ten years. Finally, many electric cars have gas struts and shocks. After about 7,500 miles or ten years, it’s worth having a body lift examination, regassing or replacing all the struts that support the frame. The shock absorbers should generally be checked every four years.

How often do you service an electric car?

A professional mechanic should perform battery inspections and other common tasks, such as brake checks, approximately every six months. During a service appointment, your EV technician can look for leaks and assess how well your battery operates. To avoid uneven wear and tear, it’s best to rotate your tires every six months, so you could schedule both this and a general service checkup with a battery inspection in the same visit.

Your electric Chevy model uses regenerative braking, which converts friction against a brake caliper into extra battery power. As long as you use clean brake fluid, you can expect your brakes to last longer than traditional braking systems. However, you should probably schedule an appointment to check them every two years or 22,000 miles.

The manufacturer’s system is designed to disable the high-voltage electric system in the case of an accident. Despite this safety feature, ignoring your electric car’s maintenance needs could still put you at risk, so getting the occasional inspection and checkup every few months is much safer and less expensive.

How does Chevy EV warranty coverage work?

The modern Chevrolet EV warranty, such as that found on the new EVs by the automaker, means you get professional, worry-free service over eight years or 100,000 miles. This should cover all your needs regarding drive battery repair and EV system corrections. There’s also the Chevy bumper-to-bumper warranty, which lasts for three years or 36,000 miles and covers any defects in your Chevy’s original tires, prorated after 12,000 miles.

A bumper-to-bumper warranty will also pay for any excessive vibrations, noise, or other workmanship or material issues affecting the cabin experience. Additionally, you’ll have access to Chevy’s Roadside Assistance, letting you get an auxiliary battery jumpstart, vehicle unlock services, and emergency towing to the nearest local Chevy dealer.

Other Electric Car Maintenance Tips

Since your Chevy EV will have some of its systems exposed on the underside, it’s wise to rinse off any caustic or oxidizing materials, such as road salt, if you’ve been driving through icy or snowy conditions. Apart from that, there aren’t many maintenance differences between gasoline and electric cars. Although, you will save yourself from the required services that come with a combustion engine, even if you’re driving a hybrid.

Call Jack Burford Chevrolet in Richmond if your vehicle requires electric car repair or browse our site to learn more. Our Chevrolet EV service center is here to deliver the same excellent and dependable auto maintenance that you’ve come to expect from us on your gas-powered vehicles for decades.

A Chevy EV is a better investment than ever, especially if you stick with a certified dealership. We have all the information regarding EV savings and how to make the most out of being a Chevy EV owner. There are all sorts of benefits you may not be taking advantage of, but you’ll find everything in one convenient place at Jack Burford Chevrolet.