Hybrid & Electric Car Servicing In Nottingham
Oakdene Automatic Transmissions provides electric car servicing in Nottingham for both fully electric and hybrid vehicles. Electric and hybrid cars have different servicing needs to a conventional petrol or diesel car, and our technicians are equipped with the specialist knowledge and diagnostic tools needed to service them properly.
Our Electric & Hybrid Servicing Includes:
- High voltage battery health checks and diagnostics.
- Cooling system checks for battery and motors.
- Brake system and regenerative braking checks.
- Software and battery management system updates.
- Tyre pressure, tread and rotation checks.
- Cabin air filter replacement.
- Engine servicing for hybrid vehicles.
High Voltage Battery Check
We use diagnostic tools to assess the overall health and remaining capacity of the high voltage battery, since this is the single most expensive component to replace and the one most worth monitoring over the life of the vehicle.
Cooling System Check
The battery and electric motor rely on a dedicated cooling system, separate from the standard engine cooling on a hybrid. We check it's functioning correctly and top it up with the correct coolant type where needed.
Brake System Maintenance
Regenerative braking reduces wear on the conventional brakes, but that lower usage brings its own risk: pads, discs and callipers can develop corrosion or start to bind from sitting unused for longer periods than on a petrol or diesel car. We check all of these as standard.
Software Updates
Manufacturers regularly release updates for the battery management system and other onboard software to optimise performance and protect battery life over time. We check whether any updates are outstanding as part of the service.
Tyre Maintenance
Instant torque and heavier battery packs mean electric and hybrid tyres often wear faster than on a conventional car. We check tyre pressure, tread depth and rotate tyres where needed to even out wear.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
As with any vehicle, the cabin air filter needs replacing at regular intervals to maintain good air quality inside the car.
What's Different About Servicing A Hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles retain a combustion engine alongside their electric systems, so their service includes everything above plus standard engine maintenance:
- Engine oil and filter change, though often on a longer interval than a conventional petrol or diesel car.
- Essential fluid top ups, including brake fluid and engine coolant.
- Engine checks covering components such as the air filter and spark plugs.
In short: a hybrid service is essentially a full electric vehicle service combined with the engine maintenance of a conventional car, since a hybrid genuinely needs both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is servicing an electric car different to a petrol car?
An electric car service focuses on the high voltage battery, cooling system, electrical components and software, rather than an engine. There's no oil or spark plugs to replace, but the battery, brakes and tyres still need regular attention.
Does a hybrid need servicing more often than a fully electric car?
No, the frequency is usually the same. Each hybrid service just takes longer, since it includes the electric system checks plus the engine maintenance that a fully electric car doesn't need.
Do electric car tyres wear out faster?
Often, yes. The instant torque and additional weight of the battery pack tend to wear tyres more quickly than on an equivalent petrol or diesel car, so regular tyre checks and rotation are particularly important.
Is it safe for any garage to work on an electric car battery?
No. High voltage systems require specific training to work on safely, along with diagnostic equipment designed for electric vehicles. Always check a garage has the right qualifications before booking electric vehicle work.
How often should I service my electric or hybrid vehicle?
Service intervals vary by manufacturer, so checking your handbook is the best starting point. As a general guide, most electric and hybrid vehicles are serviced annually or at a set mileage interval, whichever comes first.
