As the world pivots towards a more sustainable future, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular. While many maintenance aspects are similar to traditional petrol or diesel cars, EVs and hybrids have a few unique maintenance needs. In general, these pertain to the battery and electric systems.
Although their maintenance requirements differ, regular repairs and servicing are still critical for optimal performance, safety and longevity. This page outlines the routine maintenance and service items required for your hybrid or electric car and what to do about them.
Key areas of maintenance for hybrid and electric vehicles
Here are the most important things to consider as you maintain your EV or hybrid car. Use the information on this page to set up a routine maintenance schedule that fits your requirements alongside the manufacturer-recommended service schedule, which must be adhered to.
We recommend basic checks of all your routine maintenance tasks once per week. If you notice anything wrong at any point, don’t be afraid to take your car to the nearest service centre.
Battery care and performance
In simple terms, a battery consists of two terminals. Inside, chemical energy forces electrons to move from one terminal to the other, creating a flow of charge. The principles behind the considerable battery packs in an EV are the same as those in a TV remote – albeit on a much larger scale and with many more technological advances required for safe and optimal running conditions.
Currently, most EVs, including those produced by Volkswagen, use lithium-ion batteries. However, that’s likely to change as the world continues investing in battery research and development. Lithium-ion batteries are great and have served us well for decades, but they’ll eventually lose their effectiveness.
Signs of your EV battery struggling include a reduced range, overheating and strange behaviour from electronic devices. Avoid deep discharges (running your car almost to 0%) to maximise your battery’s lifespan. Keep the battery between 20% and 80% whenever possible. In hybrid vehicles, you might notice that it rarely kicks into electric mode, and when it does, it doesn’t last as long as it should.
If you notice repeated signs of a struggling battery pack, it’s time to take your car to a trusted mechanic.
Don’t forget that the ambient temperature significantly impacts your battery performance. Batteries perform best at around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Aside from turning your EV on a few minutes before driving it, there’s little you can do to change this.
Routine maintenance tasks and software updates
Routine maintenance is a critical part of car ownership. As an owner of a hybrid or EV, you’ll need to perform all the usual vehicle checks and a few extras.
- Tyre care – check the tyres for any signs of uneven tread wear. Use a tread depth gauge to ensure the tread is over 3mm. Use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the air pressure inside the tyres (in either psi or bar) and pump them up using an inflator if necessary. The recommended tyre pressures are in the doorframe and the owner’s manual.
- Under-bonnet fluid checks – hybrid cars still have the same under-bonnet fluids as regular cars. You’ll need to check and, if necessary, top up the coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windscreen washer fluid.
- Car cleaning – keeping your EV or hybrid clean helps protect the paint, retain resale value and make driving more pleasant. Hand wash if you have time. Otherwise, touchless car washes generally do a good enough job.
- Brake checks – unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to leave your brakes well alone. However, if you notice rust, strange sensations or odd sounds from the brakes, head straight to your local garage.
- Software updates – modern vehicles, but especially EVs, require regular software updates to fix bugs and remain operating efficiently. Skipping a software update could impact your vehicle’s performance and safety. Ensure your update notifications are switched on and connect to a trusted Wi-Fi source to download the latest software.
EV and hybrid servicing
Taking your EV or hybrid for its scheduled service is also fundamental to looking after it.
EVs and hybrid cars are complicated machines. They use advanced software and electronics, meaning servicing and repairs require specialist technicians with the necessary training and qualifications (see the next section). You aren’t expected to check or service any parts of an EV powertrain at home. In fact, it’s definitely best to leave it well alone.
In the service, a technician performs routine checks and maintenance tasks, such as looking at the cooling systems (on both the hybrid’s internal combustion engine and the batteries) and analysing the electrical connections. They’ll also use specialised computers to check for any error codes or malfunctioning systems. The regenerative braking systems found in many hybrid cars and EVs will also receive a thorough check.
The technician will let you know if any work needs to be done. Otherwise, they’ll mark the service as completed in your online service portal or service book, and you’re good to go.
The importance of qualified technicians
As alluded to above, technicians receive specialist training to inspect, work on, and repair hybrid and electric cars. Since these vehicles are excessively complicated, taking your car only to individuals who have undergone this training is vital. A mistake could seriously damage the system and even be dangerous for the mechanic.
As you look for the best service centre to maintain and service your VW electric or hybrid vehicle, don’t be afraid to ask for evidence of qualifications. Most trustworthy service centres showcase the certificates held by their individuals on the walls. They might bring out certificates to show you upon request, too.
Finally, look for specific experience in working with hybrids or EVs. Garages might offer hybrid- or EV-specific servicing or repair jobs, showing they’re familiar with this type of work. Once again, don’t be afraid to call or email and directly ask whether the technicians are familiar with the work you require.
Sunset VW and your EV or hybrid servicing and repairs
EVs and hybrid setups are undeniably complex, but don’t be afraid to complete your regular maintenance tasks. If you encounter any problems or find yourself unsure, it’s time to reach out to your trusted garage.
Sunset VW has been in operation since the 1980s. Our skilled technicians and mechanics know Volkswagen cars like the backs of their own hands. This familiarity stems from both years of experience and regular training. We’ve worked with many EVs and hybrids and see more and more in our bays as time passes.
To book your hybrid or EV service or repair job or ask us any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for a commitment-free chat. We promise to listen to your concerns and do everything we can to help you in a professional, speedy and cost-effective manner.