Electric Vehicle Servicing
Specialist EV servicing from trained technicians, with the checks and maintenance your electric car needs to stay safe, reliable and road ready.Book an EV service near you
Electric cars have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, but they still need regular servicing. From tyres and brakes to suspension, fluids and electrical safety checks, routine electric vehicle maintenance helps identify wear early and keeps your car performing as it should.
At HiQ, EV servicing is carried out by technicians with specialist training to work safely around high voltage vehicle systems. Tell us your registration and location and your local team can confirm the right service for your vehicle.
Do electric cars need servicing?
An electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts than a conventional car however it is a common misconception that electric vehicles do not require regular servicing and/or maintenance. Key checks to areas such as tyre wear, windscreen wiper replacement along with brake fluid changes will all still be needed.
Due to the high voltage cables and battery output specialist training is required to isolate power and work safely on your vehicle. Here at HiQ our electric specialist technicians have the required skills to keep you and your car on the road.
What is included in an electric vehicle service?
The exact checks and replacement items will depend on your vehicle, its age, mileage and manufacturer service schedule. A typical EV service can include:
- Tyres: Condition, tread depth, pressures and uneven wear.
- Brakes: Pads, discs, braking components and brake fluid where required.
- Steering & suspension: Checks for wear, damage and play.
- High voltage system: Visual and safety checks by a trained technician.
- 12V battery & electrics: Checks of the low voltage system and safety functions.
- Fluid levels: Screenwash, brake fluid and coolant where applicable.
- Lights, wipers & safety: Checks of essential everyday components.
- Cabin/pollen filter: Inspected or replaced as required by the manufacturer.
Your HiQ centre will advise what is due for your specific make and model before any additional work is carried out.
Why does an EV need specialist servicing?
Electric vehicles use high-voltage batteries, cables and power electronics. Working safely around these systems requires the correct training and procedures. HiQ EV technicians have specialist expertise to isolate electric power supplies and carry out appropriate servicing and maintenance safely.
How often should an electric car be serviced?
Service intervals vary by manufacturer and model, so follow the schedule set out for your vehicle rather than assuming every EV needs servicing at the same mileage or time interval. Regular servicing can also help identify wear to tyres, brakes and suspension before it develops into a larger repair.
How do servicing costs compare for EV models?
Electric car servicing costs vary by make, model, age, mileage and the maintenance due at that visit. EVs do not need some of the engine-related consumables used by petrol and diesel cars, such as engine oil and spark plugs, but they still require routine safety and maintenance checks.
For an accurate price, request a callback with your registration and postcode. Your HiQ centre can confirm the service required and provide a vehicle-specific quote.
EV tyres, brakes and suspension
The weight and instant torque of some electric vehicles can place different demands on tyres, while regenerative braking can change how the conventional braking system wears. Regular checks help make sure tyres, brakes and suspension remain in good condition.
If your EV needs replacement tyres, your HiQ team can help identify tyres that meet the correct size, load, speed and manufacturer requirements for your vehicle.
Go Green
Over a year, just one electric car on the road can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona.
Source: EDF Energy
Do electric cars require specialist tyres?
Electric and hybrid vehicles pose a new challenge for tyre manufacturers. High torque and increased weight compared to conventional cars can increase standard tyre wear on electric vehicles by around +30%. With a drastic reduction in noise as a result of removing the traditional combustion engine, tyres must also contribute to lowering the overall cabin noise by reducing rolling resistance. Despite battery technology improving exponentially in recent years, limited battery range also prompts increased demand for tyres with lower rolling resistance to help improve overall vehicle efficiency.
To address these challenges, premium manufacturers such as Goodyear have worked closely with a number of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla and Porsche to develop an original equipment specification tyre that balances longevity with outright performance and efficiency. In fact, the technology has been so well received that leading patterns such as the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 are now electric-vehicle compatible as standard.
There are several benefits to electric vehicles (EVs) versus conventional combustion engine petrol/diesel cars:
- Lower running costs - The electricity required to charge electric vehicles is considerably cheaper (pence per mile) than petrol for the same vehicle. To explore the cost savings, why not try this handy fuel cost savings calculator.
- Reduced maintenance – An electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts than a conventional car. This means little servicing and no expensive fuel injection systems, radiators, exhaust systems, starter motors and many other parts that aren’t featured in an EV. Brakes, tyres and suspension are the key areas of maintenance.
- Tax savings – Electric vehicles with a list price below £40,000 are exempt from road tax. For company car drivers with a zero-emission electric vehicle, there is no benefit-in-kind tax, which means 0% tax for 2020/21.
- Better for the environment - Electric vehicles emit zero emissions, helping to reduce harmful air pollution from exhaust gases.
The electricity required to charge electric vehicles is considerably cheaper (pence per mile) than petrol and diesel alternatives. You can explore the potential savings using this handy Fuel Cost Savings Calculator.
Electric vehicles emit zero emissions, helping to reduce harmful air pollution from exhaust gases. Using renewable energy to recharge EVs can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions even further. Recharging EVs from a solar power system or other renewable energy sources can reduce environmental impact further.
An increasing trend towards eco-friendly production methods and materials for EVs, such as recycled plastics, reduces the impact on the environment throughout the production supply chain.
Electric motors are also much quieter than standard combustion engines, which means less noise pollution.
Batteries do wear out over time, so replacement batteries will eventually be needed. Most car manufacturers' warranties cover EV batteries for around 8 years and/or 100,000 miles. This warranty period is longer than most new car ownership periods, with many drivers now opting for short leasing or PCH contracts.
The cost of replacing an electric car battery can run into thousands of pounds if it is no longer covered under the manufacturer’s warranty period. However, most EV manufacturers offer extensive warranty periods to give drivers peace of mind.
Much like a standard petrol/diesel car, your driver display will show an estimated range and most EVs have a navigation system that will show your nearest charger. If drivers continue to drive beyond “- - -“miles, the power will eventually enter a limp mode, allowing you to position the vehicle more safely before coming to a complete stop in a similar way to many modern petrol/diesel cars. From here, drivers will need to request roadside assistance.
- Charging requirements - Recharging batteries for EVs takes considerably longer than refilling a petrol/diesel car. EVs also rely on a healthy network of charging stations, and drivers must plan journeys around this network.
- Limited range – EV vehicles are still in their infancy of development, and current mileage range can vary between manufacturers.
- List prices - Electric cars remain generally more expensive than their petrol/diesel alternatives. However, government incentives aim to reduce the total cost of ownership by reducing/eliminating some taxes.
- Weight - Batteries make EVs considerably heavier than petrol/diesel cars. This is a disadvantage because this weight puts pressure on battery usage and reduces tyre life.
Electric cars do not have combustion engines and instead use a motor. This means that they do not require engine oil, spark plugs, air filters, coolant, or transmission fluid.
The time it takes to charge an EV can be as little as 30 minutes for a ‘fast charge ’; however, this can vary between manufacturers and models. Many EV drivers will top up charge rather than charge from empty to full. To check your vehicle's charging time, check out Pod Points handy guides.
An electric car should be serviced at the same intervals as any car; however, EVs are considerably cheaper to service because they have fewer parts. Things such as new tyres, windscreen wiper replacement and brake fluid changes will all still be needed.
Your EV should be serviced by a certified technician who is able to shut down and isolate high-voltage systems safely.
Why choose HiQ?
Choosing HiQ means choosing local expertise you can trust. With over 100 centres across the UK, many of which are run by local teams, we’re proud to be part of your community. Our honest, reliable approach puts you first. We’ll only do the work your car needs, and you’ll always know the cost upfront. Backed by Goodyear, a global leader in tyres, HiQ combines local care with unmatched quality to keep you and your car on the road.
Your local experts
Every HiQ centre is run by a team of experienced professionals who live and work in your local area. They’re the heart of our business, providing fast, friendly, and professional service with a personal touch. When you choose HiQ, you’re supporting local businesses while getting expert care for your car.
Free service reminders
Life is busy, so we like to keep things easy. Our free service reminders ensure you never miss an MOT or car service. We’ll gently nudge you when it’s time to give your car a little TLC. One less thing for you to remember. More time for everything else that matters.
Finance available
Unexpected car costs shouldn’t put the brakes on your plans. Our finance options help you spread the cost of tyres, services, or repairs, so you can keep moving without stretching your budget. Talk to us about flexible payment solutions designed to make life easier.
Trusted by our customers
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of happy customers across the UK trust HiQ, thanks to our honesty, reliability, and five-star service. We’ll always deliver exactly what we promise. It’s why so many customers return time and time again.
