When it comes to EVs, everything is changing, and Volkswagen’s electric range (such as the ID series) is leading the charge.
If you own an electric car – or you’re thinking about getting one – you might wonder if its servicing requirements differ from a conventional petrol or diesel car. After all, it doesn’t have an internal combustion engine.
Unfortunately, the myth that EV maintenance needs are lower than standard cars isn’t true. Here’s how often you’ll need to take your VW EV in for a service.
VW’s recommended service schedule for electric vehicles
Electric VWs, like the ID.3, ID.4 and ID. Buzz, have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles. Of course, they don’t have many of the components that a conventional service involves inspecting, like an engine or catalytic converter. This means, for example, there’s no need to change engine oil.
However, essential systems and components still require attention. Like all mechanical things, they degrade without maintenance. Although different, a service is just as crucial for an EV as for a petrol or diesel car.
Your ID range Volkswagen EV comes with a recommended service schedule. In general, VW usually recommends at least once per year or every 8,000 to 12,000 miles. You’ll find the exact requirements in your owner’s manual.
What gets checked during a service?
Service your Volkswagen Group EV at a trusted VW specialist like Sunset VW. They’ll follow the exact maintenance requirements and checks prescribed by Volkswagen, maintaining your warranty and ensuring maximum value.
Our technicians check the key components during the service, including the battery system, brake fluid, cabin filters and software. Remember, the sooner any issues can be identified and fixed, the cheaper and more time-efficient the job:
- Battery system – VW’s ID line of electric cars runs on batteries. Over time, the battery will lose some capacity, but a well-maintained system minimises the impact. The technician also looks at the battery’s state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) for potential issues.
- Brake fluid – like any car, brake fluid still needs to be checked every two years or so. It’s hygroscopic (meaning it absorbs water). Over time, this reduces its effectiveness, and it’ll eventually need replacing.
- Cabin filters – just like traditional vehicles, your electric VW has cabin filters that need replacing periodically. These filters remove pollutants from the air heading into your cabin, and VW generally recommends replacing them about every two years.
- Software updates – these days, all modern cars need software updates, but EVs even more so. Just as smartphones and computers need updates, so do the systems that run your electric VW. Volkswagen often releases updates to improve vehicle performance or fix bugs; our technicians usually install them during a scheduled service.
Warranty and the importance of maintaining service records
Maintaining your electric VW according to the recommended service schedule is crucial for preserving its warranty. If you skip a service or fail to keep up with regular maintenance and a component goes wrong, your warranty is unlikely to cover the cost.
In an EV, this is especially important for the battery warranty. VW’s battery warranties typically last around eight years. Without regular servicing, the battery experiences a much greater load. And, if something goes wrong, VW will check your service history to confirm you’ve looked after it.
In addition to warranty maintenance, keeping a detailed service record makes all the difference when you come to sell your VW. If you can prove (through service records and receipts) that your car has been well-maintained, it’ll be worth more than one without a full-service history (FSH).
How can Sunset VW help?
While electric VWs require fewer visits to the garage than conventional cars, regular EV servicing is still vital for optimal performance. A regular visit to your trusted VW technician extends your car’s range, improves performance, and improves energy efficiency. It’s a win/win.
If it’s time for your annual service or you’re unsure about your electric VW’s needs, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a trusted technician. At Sunset VW, we’ve spent the past four decades specialising in Volkswagen Group vehicles. Starting with camper vans and Beetles, we now work on all sorts of VWs, Audis, Seats, Skodas and more/ We’re proud of our EV servicing capabilities and specially trained technicians. Get in touch with us today to keep your electric VW running smoothly.