Electric cars sound like they’re maintenance-free
But “less maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance”
Not unless you like throwing money down the drain and waiting for breakdown trucks

You won’t be changing oil
You won’t be fiddling with spark plugs
But if you want your EV to run like a dream (and not like a wheezing hamster)
You still need to give it a bit of love

I’ve been fixing cars since before TikTok was even a thing
And after thousands of hours under bonnets (and a fair few under battery packs)
Let me tell you
There’s a clear line between what you can safely do yourself
And what you really shouldn’t even think about unless you fancy fireworks

So here’s the stuff you can tackle at home with basic tools
And the stuff you need to leave well alone

🧰 Why Is EV Maintenance Different?

Think of it like this
Normal cars are like a jigsaw puzzle
EVs are like a very expensive iPhone
Fewer moving parts
But touch the wrong thing and it might bite you

Here’s what sets EVs apart:

• No oil changes or exhaust pipes
• High-voltage batteries and cables that’ll zap you if you mess about
• Fancy software that controls everything
• Simpler mechanics but way more sensitive bits and pieces

So yes it’s easier in some ways
But you’ve got to know where the limits are

✅ What You Can Do Yourself

1. Rotate Your Tyres & Check Pressure Every 5,000–7,000 Miles

EVs are heavy and full of instant torque
That means tyres wear out faster and unevenly
Like eating toast only from one corner until it’s gone

Rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 7,000 miles adds thousands of miles to their life

What you need:

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Torque wrench
• Digital tyre gauge

Pro tip:
Don’t guess the tightness
Use the torque wrench to manufacturer specs
Too tight? You can warp your wheels
Too loose? Wheels could roll away mid-journey

2. Swap Out the Cabin Air Filter Every Year

You’d be amazed how gross these get
Dust pollen grime and even bits of dead leaves clog them up
And on some EVs this can even mess with battery cooling because airflow is shared

What you need:

• Screwdriver (Phillips or Torx)
• New OEM or high efficiency filter

Time: 15 minutes tops
Money saved: Up to £120 the dealer would happily take from you

3. Check Brakes & Top Off Brake Fluid

Because EVs use regenerative braking
Your brake pads last longer
But the hydraulic bits still need checking

What to look at:

• Peek through the wheel gap and check pad thickness
• Look for rusty rotors or scoring
• Top up brake fluid if low (but don’t let it touch paint or you’ll cry)

Caution:
Don’t touch ABS modules or try bleeding the system
That’s for the pros

4. Replace Wiper Blades & Top Up Washer Fluid

Sounds obvious
But I can’t count how many people ignore it
Until their blades start screeching like a banshee and leaving streaks everywhere

Mechanic tip:
Get silicone blades
They last longer and handle sun and snow better

5. Check the 12V Battery Once a Year

Yep even electric cars still have a little old school 12V battery
And they often fail before the big battery does

What to check:

• Use a multimeter to check voltage
• Look for corrosion on terminals
• If it’s more than 4 years old start thinking about replacing it

Tip:
Keep jump leads or a portable jump starter in the boot
Yes even an EV can leave you stranded if the 12V dies

⚠️ What You Should Leave To The Pros

Now here’s where things get spicy
And potentially painful
These jobs can zap you wreck your warranty or even start a fire
So don’t be a hero

🧠 My Essential DIY EV Toolkit

Here’s what I keep handy at home:

• Digital tyre gauge
• Low profile jack & stands
• Torque wrench with car’s specs
• Trim removal tools (for cabin filter & interior panels)
• Multimeter (for the 12V battery)
• Decent gloves & safety glasses
• Smartphone or tablet with your car’s repair guide app

FAQs: EV DIY Maintenance

Can I change my EV’s coolant myself?
Nope. EVs use special coolant and purging it wrong can ruin things.

Is it okay to wash the motor bay?
No. Leave it alone unless you like short circuits.

Do I need to service an EV every year?
Yes even if just for tyres brakes and software checks.

Can I upgrade my own software?
Best to wait and let the dealer or official app handle it.

Why do EVs still have a 12V battery?
It powers all the low voltage stuff like lights locks and screens.

Final Word From Me

So yes
EVs are easier than petrol cars
But that doesn’t mean you can skip looking after them
And definitely doesn’t mean you can mess with the scary orange cables

Stick to the basics
Check your tyres brakes filters and 12V battery
Leave the high voltage wizardry to the people with rubber gloves and a degree in not dying

Keep it simple
Stay safe
And your EV will thank you with quiet reliable miles