EV Servicing

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At Elite Garages, we offer car servicing and repairs for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. An electric car service, also known as EV servicing, is a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure it’s performing at its best. Elite Garages provide EV servicing and repairs for all makes and models, including the following:

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Kia E-Nero
  • Volkswagen ID.3
  • Nissan Leaf
  • Audi E-Tron
  • Hyundai Kona Electric
  • Electric Mini
  • Renault Zoe
  • Vauxhall Corsa-E
  • MG ZS EV

Here is a detailed look at some of the best electric vehicles on the market today!

Why Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?

Your electric vehicle (EV) needs servicing just like any petrol or diesel car. Although electric vehicles don’t have engines, they share lots of similarities with petrol and diesel cars. They all have tyres, brakes, lights, suspension and electrics which need regular checks and servicing.

Regular EV servicing provides the chance to catch any issues early on. Our experienced technicians will point out any minor issues before they turn into bigger problems if left unresolved. This is likely to save money in the long run by solving issues before they become expensive to repair and potentially dangerous.

Taking good care of your car by ensuring it has a full-service history will increase its lifespan and reliability while retaining its resale value. Electric vehicle servicing keeps your car in excellent condition and should not be ignored. If you need a hybrid or electric car service, book it with an Elite Garage near you.

How Often Do You Need EV Servicing?

In many cases, electric cars should be serviced at the same intervals as regular cars.

As with internal combustion engine cars, EV servicing intervals also depend on manufacturer recommendations so it’s important to check your owner’s manual for accurate details relevant to your make and model. Whether you need a hybrid car service, Tesla service or Renault Zoe service, Elite Garages can help.

Does My Electric Car Need An MOT?

Yes, electric cars need MOTs annually once they are three years old. The main difference is that a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) has an exhaust system which needs to be tested, whereas this is not required during an EV service. If your vehicle is due an MOT, click here to make an appointment.

Do You Need Special Training To Provide EV Servicing?

Yes, EV servicing requires qualified electric vehicle technicians who have specialist EV training to isolate power on electric cars. Further safety measures and training are required when working with high voltage systems like hybrid and electric vehicles. At Elite Garages, our electric specialist technicians have all the necessary skills to service your vehicle and make sure it’s safe to drive. They have IMI level 3 accreditation to ensure they can safely and correctly service hybrid and electric vehicles to the same standards as a dealership.

How Much Does EV Servicing Cost?

At Elite Garages, you can have your electric car serviced at a highly competitive rate. While the price of EV servicing is similar to other cars, many factors can affect the cost, including the make and model of the car and its age. For reference purposes, the price of a Standard EV Service is anywhere from £140 and a Premium EV Service from £240.

What Is Included In An Electric Car Service at Elite Garages?

Electric cars require regular service and maintenance just like any other cars. Our qualified vehicle technicians check various areas of your electric car, including your brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, electrics, high-voltage cabling, battery pack and more. Our EV servicing includes (but is not limited to) checking or visually inspecting several parts and components. Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of what a standard EV service and a premium EV service include:

Description of EV Servicing Standard    Premium  
Use scanning tool to check for fault codes before service begins
Check electronic handbrake for operation
Check operation of exterior lights and interior lights
Check horn for operation
Check seatbelts
*Check ABS/EML/PAD warning lights for correct operation
Check windscreen condition and wiper condition
*Check air conditioning for efficiency/operation/temperature
Check windscreen washer operations and top up bottle
Check mirror condition. Exterior/Interior
Check if cabin/pollen filter is due replacement/replace if authorised
Check if air filter for the HV battery is due replacement/replace if authorised
Check/ test brake fluid boiling point
Check / top-up power steering reservoir where applicable
Top up battery if applicable and check security/Carry out battery test (12V battery)
*Check Coolant / Antifreeze strength and top up
*Check radiator for leaks / Check condition of radiator cap / Check coolant hoses
for leaks and condition / Check expansion bottle and cap for leaks
*Check electric cooling fan for operation where applicable
Check if the air filter to high voltage battery needs replacement (check in the service
book to see if it was done / or is due)
Lubricate bonnet catch
Check wheel bearings for play or noise
Remove wheels and check discs/drums for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring
(inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and operation)
Check callipers for leaks and operation
Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and operation
Visually check the brake hydraulic system, pipes, and hoses for leaks, chafing and corrosion
Check shock absorbers for operation (Springs condition)
*Check steering / suspension components for wear and corrosion
Check propshaft / drive shaft and joints for play and leaks
Check steering rack gaitors if applicable
*Lubricate threaded components under vehicle where easily accessible
Check condition of high voltage cabling
Check tyre condition, tread depth, record readings (including the spare)
Check wheels for correct balance (including the spare)
Check and adjust tyre pressures (including the spare)
Set wheel nut torque to manufacturer’s settings
Lubricate accessible hinges if required
Check electric charging port cap condition
Check number plates for damage/readability
*Check steering misalignment (Align check) (Not for vehicles that have ADAS)
Inverter coolant check (check for coolant leaks). The inverter turns DC into AC power for the electric motor to work
Brake binding check (EVs use magnets for braking, so the brakes are more likely to bind)
Check the condition of the charging port, visual inspection
Report condition of high voltage battery health
Use a scanning tool to ensure there are no fault codes
*Reset vehicle service light where applicable (certain vehicles main dealer only)

*Note – Additional service operations may be required for your vehicle make/model and will be an added charge. Once serviced, your vehicle will receive a stamp in the service book. If you have misplaced your service book or would like a new one, we would gladly organise this for you.

What Other Services Do Elite Garages Offer For Electric Cars?

Do EVs Need Special Tyres?

Electric car tyres are different from regular tyres as they have a reinforced sidewall to handle the extra weight of the battery packs. Without this additional support, it could result in a tyre bulge or worse, a burst tyre. EV tyres also have specially designed treads to grip the road better and provide traction, even at higher speeds especially since EVs can accelerate and brake much faster than the average combustion car. Electric car tyres are made from a different type of rubber compound that is better suited for absorbing shocks and vibrations which help reduce road noise.

Looking For EV Servicing Near Me?

Elite Garages offer electric car servicing at all of our branches and here are the locations and contact details. For more information on EV servicing or electric car repairs, contact your nearest Elite Garage branch or use the button below to book yours now.

FAQs

Click the + to read any answer or then either a category or tag to view all questions under that category or tag.

At Elite Garages, we always try to get your car booked in as soon as possible and our booking system helps. Call your local garage within normal business hours or request a service slot online if after hours.

Categories: Brighton, Car Servicing, MOT

Some customers will have a bronze car service one year and a silver car service the next so if they’re not doing the mileage, it’s not always advised to book a silver car service every year. Most of our customers book an MOT and service at the same time.

Tags: Car Service, MOT

We offer bronze car service (standard) and silver car service (premium) at affordable, competitive rates – see the home page for our current Car Service prices.

Tag: Pricing

We always explain this in detail, providing a list of what’s included and what is not. If a customer asks what service they need, we can advise depending on the service schedule and the manufacturer’s specification. Click here for more information.

At the time of posting, the price of a bronze car service (standard service) is from £110 and a silver car service (premium service) from £210. The service time will depend on what is being done and if any problems are identified which may require additional work.

We will discuss the customer’s vehicle and what extras it may need and then provide them with a quote specific to their requirements. Typically, a bronze service starts from £110, and a silver service from £210 but prices do vary depending on the vehicle.

Category: MOT

Absolutely! With more than 11,000 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras strategically placed all over the UK, 50 million records are scanned every single day. These hi-tech surveillance devices and police on patrol can instantly identify if a vehicle has an up-to date MOT or not.

Tag: MOT
Categories: Bournemouth, MOT

Our MOTs are competitively priced and in accordance with industry standards although vary depending upon location and time of year.  You can check our prices based on where you want to have your MOT done by going to the MOT page and selecting your desired location, date and time.

Tag: Pricing
Categories: Deal, Premuim Tyres, Tyres

In simple terms, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range or premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance, including Bridgestone.

We never fit part worn tyres and always encourage customers to avoid fitting part worn tyres at all costs. There are many safety concerns and they really are not any cheaper than economy tyres in the long run. Here is a good article about why part-worns offer a false economy.

Brake pads and discs wear out over time and will need replacing at some stage. Since no vehicle can operate without functioning brakes, Elite Garages will check yours for free and make recommendations for brake repairs or replacements, if deemed necessary.

Categories: Clutch, Salisbury
Several signs indicate that your clutch may need replacing, including a spongy pedal that may also stick or vibrate when you press it. A squeaking or a grumbling noise when you press down on the pedal, poor acceleration when revving the engine and difficulty shifting gears are tell-tale signs you may need a new clutch. 
Categories: Clutch, Eastbourne

We can fit OE (Original Equipment) for customers and we’re always happy to discuss parts and brands.

Tag: OE
Category: Cambelt Services

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. Read more about how long a timing belt lasts here..

Category: Cambelt Services

Your car’s cambelt won’t last forever; with increasing wear, it becomes more and more prone to breaking. If the cambelt snaps while the engine is running, it can cause the valves to collide with the pistons, resulting in bent valves and potentially damaged pistons and cylinder walls. If you don’t change it then it might break!

Category: Cambelt Services

While all vehicle components require maintenance, it’s particularly important to pay attention to your car’s timing belt. Unfortunately, there aren’t always clear signs that a cambelt has reached the end of its life and even experts may have trouble diagnosing it without a deeper dive. However, click this link to find out the signs that a cambelt replacement is imminent, as many people have reported these as the main indicators.

Category: Cambelt Services

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Remember to treat the manufacturer’s intervals as the maximum frequency as it’s safer to get it done sooner, especially considering the damage it can cause if you don’t

Category: Batteries

Common signs of a car battery that is running low include dim or flickering lights, difficulty starting the engine, rapid clicking when turning the key and the battery warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you notice any of these symptoms, we highly recommend getting an expert to look at your battery and find out whether it needs replacing.

Category: Batteries

While several things can drain a car battery, the most common cause is leaving the lights or the radio on after the engine has been switched off. Other causes of battery drainage could be a faulty alternator, corroded battery cables and parasitic drains caused by an electrical short in the system. If you are concerned about your battery, book a FREE battery check at Elite Garages!

Category: Batteries

Generally speaking, the average lifespan of a car battery is between three to five years but may depend on several factors, such as the quality of the battery, your driving habits and how well it’s maintained.

As with internal combustion engine cars, an electric car service interval also depends on manufacturer recommendations so it’s important to check your owner’s manual for accurate details. For the most part, an electric car service schedule is similar to that of petrol or diesel cars.

Yes, even electric cars need an annual MOT once they are three years and older. The main difference is that a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) has an exhaust system which needs to be tested, whereas this is not required during an EV service. If your vehicle is due an MOT, click here to make an appointment.

Electric vehicles require regular servicing and maintenance just like any other car. During an electric car service, technicians check various parts and components, including brakes, tyres, suspension, lights, electrics, high-voltage cabling, battery pack and more. Contact your nearest branch for a full list or read our EV Servicing page.

The tyres on electric vehicles are different from regular tyres as they have a reinforced sidewall to handle the extra weight of the battery packs. EV tyres also have specially designed treads to grip the road better and provide traction since they have a much higher acceleration than petrol or diesel cars. Ask us about the best EV tyres for you!

Yes, since the tremendous uplift in customer requests to repair and service electric vehicles, technicians at all of our branches have received the necessary IMI Level 3 electric/hybrid vehicle training.

Categories: Air Con, Southampton

If your car air conditioner is blowing warm air, the refrigerant level might be too low. This usually indicates a refrigerant leak in your system but it could also be a faulty component that can be checked and repaired at Elite Garages Southampton

If the damaged area on the tyre is larger than 6 mm, and on the sidewall, you should not get a repair and rather opt for a replacement tyre.

Categories: Caterham, MOT, Newport, Portsmouth

Yes, you certainly can and it’s often something we recommend. In fact, around 95% of the time our customers get a premium or standard service with their MOT. Click these links to find  out what’s included in an MOT and what’s the difference between a Service and an MOT

Tags: Car Service, MOT
Categories: Clutch, Horsham, Maidstone

Clutch judder is mostly caused by components and the flywheel not meeting properly. This often happens once your vehicle has come to a complete stop and then engaging the clutch during take-off. It could mean your clutch linkage may be worn or damaged.

Categories: Brakes, Maidstone, Salisbury

The squeaking sound your brakes make come from worn-down brake pads and is often when metal rubs against metal. As you press down on the brake pedal, the brake calliper clamps around the pad and applies pressure to slow your wheel down. If your brake pads are worn, these components will rub together resulting in a grinding or squeaking noise.

This question is often also about the legal tread limit so we are always happy to explain that it is 1.6mm. We recommend changing your tyres at 3mm for optimal performance and safety but this is the customer’s choice. You can book a free tyre check to ensure your tread is above the legal limit.

Categories: Brakes, Portsmouth

Manufacturers have different recommendations but the general consensus is to replace your brakes when only 20% of the original thickness remains. Brake pads can last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles while brake discs anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Remember, your driving habits can also impact the brake replacement intervals.

Categories: Brakes, Portsmouth

The price of brakes varies greatly as it depends on the vehicle and brake specification. At Elite Garages, new brakes cost anywhere FROM £80 but please note prices may be subject to change without prior notice.

Categories: Portsmouth, Tyre Advice, Tyres

Rapids are also budget tyres but they are more high-end and rated as premium economy.  Whilst they provide more grip than standard budget tyres, Rapids don’t perform as well as a good quality mid-range or premium tyre. However, Rapid tyres do offer a great in-between offering quality and value for money.

No, as part-worn tyres are not safe and there is no guarantee they won’t fail.

We can usually repair punctures if they are on the central part of the tyre (the middle three-quarters). If a puncture occurs outside this area and near the tyre sidewall, a repair is unlikely and you should get it replaced.

We will always try and explain this in detail, providing all the pros and cons. Put simply, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range and premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance.

Tag: Tyres
Categories: Brakes, Eastbourne

We can offer a variety of brands but will always recommend more premium parts, such as Pagid, but it all depends on the specific vehicle. OE fit is always best but we are able to fit various brands such as Delphi.

Categories: Brakes, Eastbourne

Brake pads can last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles while brake discs can be anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Once again, how you drive can also impact the replacement intervals.

The front tyres should last for approximately 20,000 miles while the rear tyres may last a little longer. When you replace your tyres also largely depends on driving style, frequency and the quality of tyres fitted.

In the UK and Europe, the legal tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm around the tyre circumference and the central three quarters. However, most tyre experts recommend replacing your tyres when the tread depth is at 3 mm for better braking distances.

A car service interval will largely depend on the car and the service schedule from the manufacturer. The common interval is 12,000 miles or 12 months, but you still have to check your car’s service book to verify.

Categories: Canterbury, Clutch

The issue could be the clutch pressure plate or the clutch disc. However, other causes for clutch slipping is often found in the release system, an incorrectly reworked flywheel or the fitment of the wrong clutch. Our experts will be able to determine the cause and suggest a solution.

Categories: Canterbury, Tyres

We supply a wide variety of brands, from budget, mid-range and premium tyres; each with its own benefits. As the name suggests, budget tyres are cheaper as they are not made to the same standards as mid-range or premium tyres. Mid-range tyres, especially Rapid, are often the preferred choice as it sits just below the premium brands. There is always a choice for our customers, and they can decide, and we are always happy to offer advice.

Categories: Bournemouth, Car Servicing

We get them in and out as quickly as possible. We have a good booking system where we can work out our day so we’re not overlapping appointments too much. We do our best so people aren’t waiting too long.

Tag: Car Pickup

At Elite Garages Bournemouth we always try to get the customer’s car booked in as soon as possible and our booking system helps. Call your local garage here or outside of normal business hours where you can request a slot and we’ll be in touch the next working day to confirm it.

Categories: Bournemouth, Tyres

As a group, we stock a large number of tyres on-premises but if it’s not available, we can arrange next-day delivery from our warehouse. You can check availability and options online here 24/7

Categories: Air Con, Brighton

A car air con needs a service at least every 1 to 2 years as the coolant doesn’t last forever and filters can get clogged up with dirt and stagnant water. If you notice a strange smell, noise or visible leak underneath the car, it could explain why your air con is not working.

Tag: Air Con

Most customers will have a standard service one year and premium service the following year. If they’re not doing the mileage, there’s no point doing a premium service every year. 95% of the time customers get a service with their MOT. Click these links to find  out what’s included in an MOT and what’s the difference between a Service and an MOT

We do our own service schedule which offers much better value but with dealership quality. (See what’s included in our Car Servicing Schedule here).