Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

One of the many benefits of an electric car is reduced maintenance. This is primarily because an EV is not equipped with an internal combustion engine. Do electric cars need oil changes? Do electric cars use oil? No, electric cars do not need motor oil, so you won’t ever have to worry about getting an electric vehicle oil change. However, you will need to keep tabs on other automotive fluids and maintenance services to ensure that your EV is always running safely at peak performance levels on the roads in and around Minnetonka. Learn more about EV maintenance in this guide from Motorwerks MINI, and if your MINI Cooper Electric is due for service, schedule an appointment with our service center in Golden Valley today!

What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles?

You’ll find that the EV maintenance schedule will be different from that of a conventional gas-powered car. Do electric cars use oil? Do electric cars need oil changes? As noted above, you won’t ever need an electric car oil change, but you will have to regularly check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels. Here’s a rundown of the automotive fluids that an electric vehicle requires:

• Brake Fluid: All vehicles are equipped with brakes, and EVs are no different. Routinely checking the brake fluid, topping it off as needed, and replacing it when it becomes dirty will help you enjoy optimum stopping power on the on St Louis Park-area roads. 
• Transmission fluid: The transmission fluid lubricates the gears and inner working of the transmission to ensure a smooth ride. Your owner’s manual will have information regarding the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your EV. 
• Coolant: The coolant in your EV keeps your battery and vehicle systems from overheating. It is essential that your vehicle carries the proper amount of coolant at all times.

Along with maintaining the fluid levels in your EV, you will also need to keep up to date with other routine services such as tire rotations and wheel alignment as needed. You’ll find the recommended service schedule for your EV in your owner’s manual.

Electric Vehicle Parts 

An EV is powered by an electric motor and a battery pack, with torque generated by magnets alongside the motor. While there is an ever-expanding network of Minneapolis-area public charging stations, you will want to have a home charging system installed so you can conveniently recharge the battery overnight.

Here are the main parts of your EV’s powertrain:

• Traction motors: Provide torque to spin the wheels
• Charging ports: External charging ports to plug the vehicle into a power source for recharging
• 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 
• Thermal system: Keeps your motor, battery, and electronic components from overheating

Get Expert EV Service at Motorwerks MINI in Golden Valley

Do electric cars need oil changes? You’ll never have to arrange an electric vehicle oil change, but there are other automotive fluids that you will need to regularly check and top off as needed. You can count on the certified technicians at Motorwerks MINI in Golden Valley to take care of all of your EV maintenance services. Our prices are very competitive, and we also offer rotating service specials and coupons to help you save even more. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our service team.