Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

If you’re the owner of a new electric vehicle, you may be wondering when to schedule your first electric car oil change. But do electric cars need oil at all? No! Motor oil’s primary function in a vehicle is to lubricate the moving parts of a combustion engine. With no combustion engine present, there’s no reason for an electric vehicle to need oil! But that doesn’t mean your EV doesn’t require other fluids and maintenance to stay in tip-top shape on the Lawrenceville roads. Learn more about EV maintenance with the service team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth.

What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles?

While you may not need electric car oil changes to keep your new Chevy Bolt running on the Suwanee streets, there are still plenty of other fluids you’ll need to keep an eye on for optimal performance. Some of the fluids you’ll need to change in your EV include:

• Brake Fluid: Just like any other vehicle, EVs have a brake system that utilizes brake fluid to keep all the moving parts lubricated. Have your brake fluid checked regularly to ensure your safety as you drive through Johns Creek.
• Transmission Fluid: Electric cars have transmissions like traditional gas-powered vehicles and need regular checks and replacements of transmission fluids to function properly.
• Coolant: Electric cars have several parts that generate heat, making coolant integral to your EV running smoothly on every drive. Keep an eye on your vehicle’s coolant level and top up as necessary.

Of course, electric vehicles will also need regular tire maintenance! This maintenance includes tire rotations, wheel alignments, wheel balancing, and more. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations from your manufacturer.

Electric Vehicle Parts

Understanding the anatomy of EVs and how they differ from traditional combustion-engine models can help you know what kind of services your vehicle may need in the future. Some of the most important parts of your electrified powertrain include:

• Traction Motors: The traction motors in your EV turn your wheels as you traverse Norcross.
• Battery: The battery of an electric vehicle is much bigger than a gas-powered vehicle’s battery and provides power to the traction motors to keep your vehicle moving.
• Charging Ports: To charge your EV battery, you’ll make use of an external charging port and charging cord.
• Onboard Charger: The onboard charger takes the external charge from the charging port and converts it into a DC (direct current) power to charge the battery.
• DC-DC Converter: External chargers are often high-voltage, while the systems in your vehicle require low-voltage power. The DC-to-DC converter takes the high-voltage power from the charger and converts it to a low-voltage current that can be used for your vehicle’s electrical system.
• Thermal System: To keep the entire system running at a cool temperature, every EV model comes with a built-in thermal system.

Schedule Your Next EV Service at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth!

So, do electric cars need oil? No! Skip the electric car oil changes and say hello to simple, hassle-free maintenance for your EV at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth. When you’re ready for your next fluid service or tire rotation, schedule your appointment with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth online. Our team of certified technicians will be happy to service your electric model and keep you enjoying fuelless driving for years to come!