Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

When you’re looking at the pros and cons of driving an electric car, one of the things near the top of the pro list is how little maintenance an electric car requires compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. Do electric cars use oil? They do not! If you’re wondering how often to do an electric car oil change, you don’t have to worry about that because they’re never required. Even though electric cars don’t need oil, you do have to monitor and refill some fluids that electric cars have in common with gasoline cars: transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Find out more about what maintenance to expect when you purchase a Kia EV6 or Kia Niro EV from the service department at Kearny Mesa Kia. 

What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles?

Since you don’t need electric car oil changes, you can focus on the small maintenance jobs your electric vehicle requires. Here are the details about the three primary fluids you need to watch: 

• Brake Fluid: You’ll need to ensure your brake system is properly lubricated in order to remain safe while driving. 
• Transmission fluid: This fluid ensures that your gears move efficiently. Since your EV uses a transmission, you’ll need to stay on top of transmission fluid changes. Consult your owner’s manual for specific intervals.
• Coolant: The coolant in your radiator keeps your battery and vehicle systems from overheating. 

While electric cars don’t need oil, they will need new tires at about the same time as you’d expect from a gas-powered vehicle. Our tire department can help you find the right tires to accommodate the weight and balance of your EV, which does differ from a gas model. 

Electric Vehicle Parts 

In addition to needing to have vital fluids checked and refilled, your electric vehicle does have some unique equipment you won’t find on gasoline or hybrid vehicles. Here’s a quick primer on the most important parts that are unique to electric vehicles: 

• Charging ports: External chargers you use to charge the battery of your vehicle. 
• Traction motors: These motors turn your vehicle’s wheels.
• Onboard charger: Converts the external charge you receive from a charging port into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: Converts the high-voltage direct current (DC) power that comes from the battery into the low-voltage DC power that moves the vehicle.
• Battery: Stores the electricity that powers the motors as you drive.
• Thermal system: Keeps your motors and electronic components from overheating.

Get Your EV Serviced at Kearny Mesa Kia

Even though your electric car doesn’t use oil, it does need occasional maintenance, and the service team at Kearny Mesa Kia is ready! Our certified technicians have been trained in EV maintenance and repair, so you know your vehicle will be in good hands when you schedule an appointment with us. Find out more about EVs in our EV information hub.