Introduction
So… Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?
If you’re thinking about getting an electric car, you’ve probably asked yourself this one big question: Do electric cars need oil changes? Well, here’s the truth — no, they don’t.
That might sound a bit strange, especially if you’ve always driven gas cars. After all, oil changes are such a normal part of car care. But electric cars are absolutely different. They do not use engines that require oil to maintain smooth running of the engines. They instead operate through electric motors that do not require these messy stuff.
Sounds simple, right? We should have a closer look at why it is so and what kind of maintenance electric cars actually require.
Why Electric Cars Don’t Need Engine Oil
In a gas car, you have an engine. It burns fuel and makes heat. You need oil in there so the metal parts don’t rub and get damaged. After some time, that oil gets dirty and stops working right. That’s why you change it. But electric cars? A totally different story.
Electric cars do not use engines but electric motors. And electric motors do not need a piston or oil to be changed. They only consume electricity to turn one of the motors which will make your wheels move. Then, once again, do electric cars require oil? Nope. No engine oil to change to begin with.
Fluids Electric Cars Use
Although electric cars do not require oil refills they still consume other fluids in small quantities. But there is no need to worry–the list is not long, and is simple to manage.
These are the points you still may need to examine:
- Coolant: Maintains the correct temperature of the battery and the motor.
- Brake fluid: This is required by the hydraulic brakes.
- Washer fluid Windshield: you will refill this as always.
That’s it. There is no longer any need to worry about engine oil, transmission fluid (in most applications), or spark plugs.
What About Gear Oil?
Some electric cars have a small reduction gearbox, which assists in the control of the flow of power on the wheels. A small amount of gear or lubrication is applied in this part.
But here’s the thing — it’s not like the engine oil you change in gas cars. This oil doesn’t get dirty or burn up the same way.It is in most cases durable and may even span a lifetime of the vehicle.
Yes, there may be a little oil in it, but it is the type you will not change every few months.
How Electric Cars Stay Smooth Without Oil
So you may ask, How can they be smooth, when there is no oil? Alright, electric cars carry electric motors that rotate with the assistance of magnetic fields. This implies virtually no friction as compared to an ordinary gas engine. That is why there is less wear and tear, there is no exhaust, no oil leaks, no oil filters, and most importantly, no oil changes, ever.
It’s one of the main reasons electric cars are so easy to take care of. Everything runs quietly and smoothly without all the messy parts that need oil in a gas engine.
And What Type of Maintenance Does Electric Cars require?
It is all right that you do not need to be concerned with oil changes, but what do you need to maintain?
Here’s a quick list:
- Tire rotation: You will always need that to ensure that your tires are evenly wearing.
- Brake checks: EVs have longer-lasting brakes, as a result of generative braking, though brakes should also be checked.
- Coolant system: Make sure you monitor the battery cooling when your car has a coolant.
- Cabin air filter: This should be changed once in a year.
- Software updates: You can also update your phone.
That’s about it. And then, in case you are used to the awkward oil changes, then you will enjoy an easy life with an electric car.
Why This Makes Electric Cars Cheaper to Maintain.
So, do electric cars need oil changes? The answer is simply no and this ‘No’ saves you from a lot of expenditure and inconvenience.
Consider it — an average gasoline car may require 5,000 or 7,000 miles (or less) to change the oil. It is approximately 3- 4 times a year to others.
They could be as low as $40-80 per location. Within multiple years that is adding up!
In the case of electric cars, you do not need to spend such money. And there having fewer parts, less may suffer breaking. Therefore, the initial cost of a product could be greater, but the long-term loss of the maintenance costs is compensated in the end.
But Are There Any Hidden Maintenance Costs?
Hidden, not so much, only there are some things you should know. The battery of an electric car may lose some power over time, and some companies recommend having a quick health check regularly.
As electric cars tend to be heavier, it is always a good idea to check them. Software or sensor updates may be required occasionally as well–some of them are free, and some may cost a few dollars. Nevertheless, despite these minor details, the total cost of maintenance is significantly less than a gas car.
The Mess-Free life of an electric car
You will be able to relate to this bit if you have ever spilled motor oil in your driveway. With an electric car you can enjoy greasy hands no longer, no oil marks, no rushing to the repair shop at the last minute because you forgot to change the oil. All you do is to plug it in, drive and have fun.
You simply plug it in, drive it, and enjoy the ride. It’s that easy. That’s one big reason so many people are switching to electric cars — less mess, less hassle, and a lot more fun behind the wheel.
What About Hybrids?
This is where the difference comes in. Hybrid vehicles are made up of some gas and some electricity. So they do have an engine. That is, yes, the hybrid cars require oil changes too. However, since the engine is not used at all times, the oil has a longer life. So you change it less often.
Therefore, when you have a hybrid always remember to oil it and not neglect its oil change. Just check your manual. It’ll tell you how often.
When should an Electric Car be serviced?
Electric cars do not require servicing as frequently as gas cars.
Majority of the manufacturers recommend its testing after 10,000-15,000 miles or once in a year.
Mostly that is so that they have safety checks, change of tires and refilling of fluids.
You won’t need to spend half your weekends at a service station any more, you’ll likely only come once a year.
What Is the Consequence of not doing Maintenance?
Although electric cars do not require oil change, all maintenance should not be ignored.
Even ignoring such aspects as brakes or tires may create the issue.
However, here is the fun fact about electric cars. A majority will signal you when something goes wrong. You will receive notification about low fluids, software resources or battery problems directly on the dashboard.
Therefore, it is extremely easy to maintain.
Then, Does it Matter about Oil Changes?
Not at all. When you drive a fully electric car, then you no longer have to change the oil.
It will save you some of your time and money and you will not be bothered by messy oil anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do electric cars need oil changes?
No, they don’t. Electric cars do not use gas engines, but electricity engines produce an electric motor; therefore, there is no need to change engine oils. It is among the best things to have one.
Q2: What fluids does electric cars still require?
Electric vehicles also consume some fluids such as coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid of the windshield. No trouble with engine oil or transmission oil though.
Q3: What is the frequency of servicing an electric car?
The majority of electric vehicles require a simple service once a year. You will just have your tires turned, brakes inspected, and have your fluids replenished.
Q4: Do hybrids require oil change as well?
Yes, hybrids do. Hybrids still have a gas engine and an electric motor which means they require normal oil changes as normal vehicles.
Final Thoughts
So – Do electric cars need oil changes? Not at all. To have an electric car is just a matter of maintaining a simple life. You simply charge it, drive it, and inspect some minor details here and there. The engine oil does not need to be changed, no dirty filters, and no unexpected visits to the mechanic. Everything simply works and moves.
You have the pleasure to ride and not worry about what is under the hood. You also save time and money, and you do not have to change your oil and make repairs the same way all the time. It is fast, silent and simple just as the way driving should be. Then maybe it is time to look into switching in case you are fed up with oil stains, service schedules and continuous maintenance.
When you get electric, you may wonder why you had not done it earlier.