Electric vehicles (EVs) have generated quite the buzz over the years. They’re a greener alternative to traditional cars, representing a significant step towards sustainability. However, like any other car, EVs require proper care and car service.
And that’s where servicing comes in. Servicing will keep your EV running smoothly. It’s something all EV owners have to put their car through but what if you decide to do it yourself?
DIY EV Servicing
It’s a common misconception that EVs don’t need servicing. This is due to their engineless nature and lack of combustion. While they do have fewer moving parts, they are not maintenance free. Conversely, their lack of conventional parts can make them harder to service on your own.
It’s highly recommended to send yours to a professional but if you must DIY, here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- Cost Savings
Donning your own mechanic hat will definitely save you a buck or two. Labour charges at your local workshop can be high especially for specialised tasks. By handling the task yourself, you can save money on service fees.
- Convenience
A DIY service is definitely more convenient than driving all the way to the workshop. You don’t have to wait around the shop to finish the job and you can do things from the comfort of home.
You also get to work on your car at your pace and schedule, giving you more time to get things right.
- Learning Experience
Learning is an essential part of being human. We learn so we can overcome obstacles and DIY servicing is no different. Learning how to service your own car is an invaluable skill which will pay off, literally!
You can even outsource your newfound skills to your friends and family. And why not charge them to make some cash on the side.
Cons
- Consistency and Quality Concerns
Professional technicians have years of experience. It can be hard to replicate that sort of expertise without extensive training. Not to mention the right tools and equipment to ensure an accurate service.
Even with online tutorials and manuals, there’s a risk of overlooking critical details that only professionals would catch. Inconsistencies in your DIY service may even lead to unexpected issues down the road. No pun intended!
- Safety Concerns
An EVs hood may contain less combustible parts but it houses a complex electrical system. This system operates at high voltage and working on them with sufficient knowledge can be risky.
You’ll be exposed to electrical wires and complex parts that can cause serious damage.
- Warranty Implications
Manufacturers usually outline specific service requirements in the warranty. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in voiding your warranties.
A DIY service may not meet the manufacturer’s standards, jeopardising your warranty coverage. Ultimately, this can result in costly repairs that would otherwise be covered.
Professional EV Servicing
Servicing an EV is no easy task. Unless you have the right tools and knowledge, it’s best to opt for your local professional workshop. Here are some pros and cons of getting a professional EV service:
Pros
- Consistency and Quality Assurance
These technicians usually have the expertise, knowledge and experience to conduct a service. They have a deep understanding of EV systems, ensuring a high quality service.
They also have the right tools and technologies, leaving little room for errors and oversights. These technicians will ensure everything is checked and ultimately prevent more issues down the line.
- Safety Assured
Dealing with an EV can pose major safety risks. This includes electrical shocks that will cause damage to both you and your vehicle. The best way to avoid this is to leave it to the professionals.
They’ll know how to handle these risks, ensuring your safety and the safety of your vehicle.
- Warranty Protection
Professional servicing will help protect your vehicle’s warranty coverage. Manufacturers often require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Having your EV service by professionals will ensure you meet these standards.
If an issue arises that can be covered with your warranty, you can have a peace of mind knowing everything is covered.
- Time Efficiency
Learning how to DIY service can take up a significant amount of time. Understanding the lingo is one thing but to actually apply the practical stuff is a completely different ball game.
On the other hand, you have professional technicians who are well versed in the art of servicing. They’ll know what to do from the get go and this can greatly reduce the waiting time for your vehicle.
Cons
- Limited Cost Savings
The cost involved can be a major drawback especially if you’re on a tight budget. These costs usually come from labour charges but they can also come from other areas. This includes additional repairs and replacements.
While professional services are quality assured, they often come at a higher financial investment.
- Dependence on Service Schedules
A DIY service will give you the flexibility to do things at your own pace and time. On the other hand, a professional service centre will likely have a strict schedule planned out.
You’ll have to adhere to their schedule and you can only get your car serviced once it’s your turn.
- No Learning Curve
Missing out on the learning experience is a major downside to professional servicing. The hands-on experience gained from DIY work contributes to a deeper understanding about vehicles.
Not to mention the satisfaction of completing a task on your own!
Conclusion
Servicing your EV is a great way to ensure its longevity and performance. You can either DIY or get help from professionals but the choice ultimately depends on your priorities. As mentioned, EVs can be tricky to handle and we highly recommend leaving it to the professionals.
We have everything you need to get the job done but if you must DIY, remember to equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge. All in all, servicing should never be neglected regardless of method.
Need help servicing your EV? Let MotoServ do it for you!
