CarteaNewsKnow your carBeyond "No-Maintenance": Why Routine Checkups Are the Hidden Secret to EV Longevity and Reliability

Beyond "No-Maintenance": Why Routine Checkups Are the Hidden Secret to EV Longevity and Reliability

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-10-29
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The promise of electric vehicles (EVs) is often summed up in a simple line: “less maintenance, greener future.” Yet the real-world experience reveals that regular checkups are just as essential for EV safety and longevity as for any advanced technology. While an electric car contains about 70% fewer moving parts than its gasoline or diesel counterpart, there are still vital components that must be proactively monitored—especially in harsh climates or for fleet applications.

Do Electric Vehicles Actually Need Regular Maintenance?

  • The myth that EVs “don’t need any maintenance” is only partially true. Routine inspections are crucial to avoid costly breakdowns, keep the battery safe, and optimize both the drive system and all electronics.​

  • Servicing electrical systems requires dedicated expertise; only certified workshops should perform diagnostics, updates, or recalibrations.​

  • In the UAE and similar climates, manufacturers typically recommend a full battery, cooling, and software check once every 12 months, or every 15,000–20,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.​

What Is Included in an Electric Car’s Maintenance Schedule?

Component

What’s Checked

Frequency

Battery

Cell efficiency, charging health, temperature, connector safety

Yearly

Electric Motor

Output, cooling, driveline

12–24 months

Tires

Wear, pressure, rotation for even use

Every 6 months

Brakes

Regenerative brake health, pads, fluids

Yearly

Software

Updates, diagnostics, system error fixes

As needed

Cooling System

Liquid levels, pump efficiency, radiator status

12–24 months

Cabin Air Filter

Replacement, air quality

12 months

Advantages of Routine EV Service

  • Battery and cooling system maintenance maximize lifespan and can eliminate thousands in future battery costs.​

  • Regular diagnostics swiftly identify electronic system issues before they become dangerous or expensive.

  • Software checks ensure over-the-air updates are applied and the car is fully equipped with the latest safety and efficiency features.​

  • Regenerative braking and smart traction tech mean longer pad and tire life, saving money and reducing waste.

  • A documented maintenance history boosts resale value and buyer confidence when you sell or trade in your EV.​

Gasoline vs. Electric Maintenance: What’s Different?

Item

Electric Car

Gasoline Car

Oil Changes

Never needed

Every 6–12 months

Air & Fuel Filters

Cabin filter only

Air, oil, fuel

Mechanical Parts

Few moving parts

Complex, many

Software

Frequent updates

Rare/at dealer

Golden Rules for EV Owners in the UAE

  • Avoid frequent fast-charging in extreme heat, and keep battery state between 20% and 80% for best results.

  • Request a battery health check at a certified shop annually, especially if the car is older or has over 50,000 km.

  • Always update maps and navigation systems to maintain smart driving features.

  • Ensure the cooling system is clean, and use manufacturer-approved fluids only.

  • Never use hacked apps or uncertified accessories—this could void your warranty and affect safety.

The Smart EV Owner

A family bought their first electric vehicle, drawn by the promise of easy, low-maintenance driving. But when a small coolant leak appeared after a year, their prompt routine checkup saved both the battery and their peace of mind. The lesson: A little routine care for big technology means never sacrificing safety or value.

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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.