EV Servicing Explained: Battery Care, ADAS Calibration, and the Future of Electric Cars

EV servicing and ADAS calibration are not optional—they’re essential for safe and efficient driving. If you think electric vehicles are “maintenance-free,” think again. Regular checks keep your EV performing at its best and ensure advanced safety systems work as intended.

Electric vehicles have moved from futuristic dreams to everyday reality on UK roads. They’re cleaner, quieter, and packed with cutting-edge technology—but that means specialised care is critical. It’s not just about battery health; most EVs now include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers.

In this guide, you’ll learn why EV servicing and ADAS calibration matter, what steps are involved in the calibration process, how future EV technology is changing maintenance, and why Elite Garages is your trusted partner for EV care in the UK.

Do Electric Vehicles Need Regular Servicing?

Yes—absolutely. While EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, they are not immune to wear and tear. Skipping servicing can lead to reduced range, higher running costs, and even safety risks.

What Does EV Servicing Include?

• Battery Health Checks: Batteries are the most expensive component in an EV. Monitoring their health prevents premature degradation and ensures optimal range.
• Cooling System Maintenance: EV batteries and motors generate heat. If the cooling system fails, it can cause costly damage or even a breakdown.
• Brake System Inspections: Regenerative braking reduces disc and pad wear, but hydraulic components still need maintenance.
• Software & Firmware Updates: Updates are critical for EV performance and safety. They can improve efficiency and add new features.

Missing your regular petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV servicing could even invalidate your warranty, so don’t take the risk.

What Is ADAS Calibration & Why Does It Matter?

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) includes technologies designed to prevent accidents and assist drivers. Some of the features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Detects collisions and brakes automatically
• Lane-Keep Assist – Gently steers you back into your lane if you drift
• Blind Spot Monitoring – Warns of vehicles in your blind spots
• 360° Parking Cameras – Assists in tight spaces
• Traffic Sign Recognition – Reads and displays speed limits in real time

Recommended: Why ADAS Calibration is Essential for Modern Vehicle Safety

Step-by-Step Guide: How ADAS Calibration Works

Understanding the process helps drivers appreciate why EV servicing and general vehicle maintenance often include precise calibration and why it requires specialist equipment and expertise.

Step 1: Initial System Diagnostics

The technician connects your car to a diagnostic tool to check for any existing ADAS-related fault codes and ensure all systems are ready for calibration.

Step 2: Wheel Alignment Verification

Before calibration, the vehicle’s wheel alignment is checked and corrected if necessary. Proper alignment is essential because ADAS sensors rely on precise vehicle geometry.

Step 3: Attaching Calibration Targets

Wheel clamps with reflective targets or laser measurement tools are installed. These work with the calibration system to align the setup accurately.

Step 4: Positioning the Calibration Frame

A large calibration rig—equipped with special patterned boards—is placed in front of the vehicle. This frame must be aligned perfectly to the car’s centreline and set at an exact distance, following manufacturer specifications. This is one of the most critical steps, particularly when EV servicing involves recalibrating sensors after battery or suspension work.

Step 5: System Setup & Data Input

The technician configures the calibration equipment, entering your car’s make, model, and system details into specialist ADAS software for precise adjustments.

Step 6: Calibration Process

• Static Calibration: Carried out while the vehicle remains stationary.
• Dynamic Calibration (if required): The car is driven under specific road and speed conditions to allow the system to fine-tune itself.

Step 7: Verification & Reset

After calibration, another diagnostic scan is performed to confirm that all fault codes are cleared. The ADAS system is then reset for accurate functionality. This step is particularly important during EV servicing or any advanced vehicle service, as modern cars rely heavily on cameras and radar systems for safety.

Step 8: Documentation & Handover

A detailed calibration report is generated for the customer, confirming that the ADAS system is safe and fully compliant.

Why Combine EV Servicing with ADAS Calibration?

Most EVs now include ADAS technology as standard. Combining EV servicing with ADAS calibration in a single visit saves time and ensures every critical system is checked.

• Efficiency: One appointment instead of two
• Comprehensive Care: Battery diagnostics, cooling checks, and sensor alignment under one roof
• Peace of Mind: Drive away knowing your EV is safe, optimised, and road-ready

Think of it as a health check for your car: covering performance, safety, and compliance in one go.

The Future of EV Motors and Its Impact on EV Servicing

EV technology continues to evolve, and the implications for EV servicing are significant. One notable development, introduced in 2022, is a groundbreaking motor design that eliminates the need for rare-earth magnets—a major cost and sustainability challenge for the industry.

This innovative approach has the potential to deliver:

• 39% more torque
• 31% greater efficiency
• Lower environmental impact

While this technology is still in the development phase, it highlights how rapidly EV engineering is moving. As motors become more advanced, EV servicing requirements will change too. Garages that invest in the latest diagnostic tools and specialist training, like Elite Garages. will be best prepared to maintain the next generation of electric vehicles.

Why Choose Elite Garages for EV Servicing and ADAS Calibration?

Elite Garages is one of the UK’s most trusted names for vehicle servicing, MOTs, and diagnostics and we’re ready for the EV revolution. All of our branches offer EV servicing with expert technicians trained and equipped to handle your electric car’s unique needs. In terms of ADAS, three of our branches currently offer ADAS calibration (Fareham, Salisbury, Southampton) with more locations to follow.

Here are just a few reasons why so many people choose Elite Garages for EV servicing and ADAS calibration:

• OEM-Approved Processes – We follow manufacturer guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s safety and warranty.
• Future-Ready Expertise – Our team keeps pace with the latest automotive innovations.
• Transparent Pricing & Honest Advice – No hidden costs, just clear and professional service.

Elite Garages has served UK motorists for over 50 years, and our goal remains the same: to provide reliable, affordable, and advanced petrol, diesel, hybrid and EV servicing that keeps you safe on the road.

FAQs

Click the + to read any answer or visit our most FAQ page to review the most frequently asked questions across all our Elite Locations.

If you click on a ‘Category’ or ‘Tag’ link, the page will ‘refresh’ and reload the page showing the top of the page first, you’ll then just need to scroll down to the FAQ section to see the results for the Category or Tag you selected.