More vehicle manufacturers are beginning to say goodbye to gas-powered rides and hello to electric motors. While many are still hesitant about the change, the switch to an EV often comes with a more manageable maintenance schedule, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket.

With no engine oil to change, transmission fluid to top off, or air filter to replace, what exactly goes into electric car maintenance?

Let’s find out!

Do Electric Vehicles Require More Maintenance?

Electric vehicles, or EVs, have developed a reputation for requiring less maintenance than their gasoline-fueled counterparts.

But the question is, is that reputation valid?

While EVs may cost more on the car lot, they require less maintenance overall, meaning more time on the road and more money in your wallet. In addition to the ease of charging your vehicle from home, EVs have eliminated more than two dozen mechanical components.

That’s right–you no longer have to schedule time for an oil change in Orangeburg, SC (or many other services, for that matter).

Goodbye Transmission, Hello Battery Pack

Saying goodbye to the engine means you no longer have to worry about several mechanical components that require routine maintenance. But that doesn’t mean that our service department will never have to pop the hood.

Oil changes and tune-ups have now been replaced with one major key to your car’s lifespan: the battery. When you drive an EV, preserving the life of your battery is the most important maintenance task.

Auto manufacturers recommend the following to get the most out of your battery:

• Only charge your EV when needed
• Maintain a 20 to 90 percent charge around town and save charging to 100% for longer adventures
• Avoid frequently using DC Fast Charging stations

The battery pack inside your EV is designed to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, essentially the lifespan of your vehicle. Keep in mind that when the time comes to replace the battery, it will be costly, so we recommend budgeting accordingly, especially as your vehicle ages.

Breaking Down Your Nissan Maintenance Schedule

Your EV maintenance schedule is similar to a gas-powered vehicle’s schedule: a tire pressure check, topping off the windshield wiper fluid, and scheduling a brake service in Orangeburg, SC.

While every EV is built differently, we’ve compiled a general maintenance schedule to help keep your Nissan EV on the road and out of our service center!

Every 30 Days

• Check the tire pressure
• Examine tires for excess wear or cracks
• Check windshield washer fluid and top off if needed

Every 7,500 Miles

• Rotate the tires
• Check for fluid leaks
• Conduct a brake inspection
• Check battery coolant levels, power inverter, accessory power, and other battery components
• Visually inspect the suspension system for signs of wear and tear

Every 15,000 Miles

• Replace the windshield wiper blades

Every 36,000 Miles

• Replace the cabin air filter
• Replace the brake fluid

Every 75,000 Miles

• Replace the suspension gas struts
• Drain and service the coolant circuits

At or Before 100,000 Miles

• Consider replacing the battery pack

Take Care of Your Nissan EV with Nissan of Orangeburg!

Making the switch from gas to electric can be a learning curve, but don’t worry! Our team at Nissan of Orangeburg is here to help!

Our service department is here to help you at every stage of EV ownership, from how electric vehicle maintenance works to maintaining a service schedule and everything in between!