Getting the Best Care for Your Hybrid and Electric Vehicle
With the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, it's essential to understand the importance of specialized servicing to keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely. Our team of technicians is proud to hold the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) qualification for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, ensuring you receive the best care for your eco-friendly car. In this blog post, we'll delve into what's involved in hybrid and electric vehicle servicing and why it's crucial for maintaining your vehicle's optimal performance.
Hybrid Car Servicing: Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape
Hybrid car servicing is a comprehensive, routine examination of your vehicle's overall health. It's designed to ensure your hybrid car remains efficient and roadworthy, offering you peace of mind and reliability. This service includes the same checks as a regular car service, encompassing crucial areas such as brakes, suspension, lights, and electrics. However, the distinguishing feature of a hybrid service is the thorough assessment of the electric system. Our technicians will inspect and evaluate the condition of your hybrid's electric components, ensuring they are functioning correctly.
Additional Services for Your Eco-Friendly Vehicle
In addition to hybrid and electric car MOTs and servicing, our specialists are equipped to provide a range of other essential maintenance services for your eco-friendly vehicle. While many maintenance aspects for hybrid and electric cars align with traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, some require specific attention:
Oil & Filter Changes
Oil and filter changes are exclusively available for hybrid cars, as electric vehicles don't require oil for operation.
Brakes
Hybrid and electric car brake maintenance includes work on brake pads, discs, drums, and sensors. However, it doesn't include brake fluid, pipe-work, calipers, or servo. Our technicians are skilled in providing brake service while adhering to the specific needs of your hybrid or electric vehicle.
Suspension
Servicing the suspension on electric and hybrid cars closely mirrors standard suspension checks and repair. However, special training is necessary for any work near the high-voltage (HV) cables located within the wheel arches of hybrids and EVs. Contact your local service center for more details on this essential aspect of hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance.
Service Frequency for Electric Vehicles
The frequency of servicing for electric vehicles can vary by manufacturer. However, most manufacturers recommend getting your electric vehicle serviced approximately every 12 months. To obtain precise service intervals tailored to your vehicle, consult your car's manual or reach out to your local service provider.
Electric Car Service vs. Petrol/Diesel: Key Differences
When comparing electric car servicing to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle servicing, several noteworthy differences become apparent. Understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring your electric vehicle's longevity and reliability:
1. Electric Motor
While electric vehicle motors have fewer moving parts, routine checks are essential to maintain their performance and reliability. Our technicians assess the condition of electric motors to prevent potential failures.
2. Battery Health Check
The battery is a critical component of an electric vehicle, requiring specialized care and attention. Unlike an ICE vehicle, which may undergo a quick visual inspection, an electric vehicle mechanic uses specialist equipment to analyze battery data, ensuring it's in optimal condition.
3. HV Inverters & Chargers
High-voltage (HV) inverters and chargers play a crucial role in managing electrical power in your electric vehicle. Inverters provide power for the electric motor, while chargers convert voltage, enabling efficient charging. Routine inspection and maintenance of these components are essential to your vehicle's performance.
4. No Timing Belt or Spark Plugs
Electric vehicles eliminate the need for components like timing belts and spark plugs, often associated with costly repairs in ICE vehicles. This streamlined design simplifies the service schedule.
5. No Exhaust
Electric vehicles produce no emissions, eliminating the need for exhaust systems and emissions checks typically required for ICE vehicles.
6. No Clutch
Electric vehicles are fully automatic, removing the need for a clutch system, a vital part of manual ICE vehicles. This is checked during the servicing of manual ICE vehicles but is not applicable to electric cars.
As of March 2023, it's worth noting that only 16% of UK mechanics were qualified to service electric cars, according to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Many of these qualified technicians are employed at main dealerships, potentially limiting your maintenance options. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a service center with IMI-qualified technicians, ensuring that your electric or hybrid vehicle receives the expert care it deserves.
In conclusion, hybrid and electric vehicle servicing is a specialized field that requires expert knowledge and training. Our IMI-qualified technicians are dedicated to providing top-quality care for your eco-friendly vehicle, ensuring it remains reliable, efficient, and safe on the road.
For any inquiries or to schedule your electric vehicle service, simply click here. Our team is here to assist you with all your electric vehicle maintenance needs.