Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

Standard gas-powered cars use a combustion engine with motor oil, but electric cars use an electric motor and battery instead. So, do electric cars use oil? The answer is no, they don’t need motor oil and oil changes like a typical gas-powered car. However, they still have automotive fluids that need maintenance: transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Find out what service for an EV entails with Suburban Chevrolet, and be sure to schedule your next service appointment in Eden Prairie today.

Fluids Service for an EV 

The answer to “Do electric cars use oil?” is no, and while EV models typically have less maintenance, they aren’t maintenance-free. You’ll need to schedule your maintenance appointments for the following:

• Brake Fluid: The braking system of an EV is the same as a gas-powered car, so you’ll still need a technician to check on your braking fluid levels and brake components to ensure a safe driving experience.
• Transmission fluid: Electric vehicles have traditional transmission systems, so maintaining proper transmission fluid levels is essential. Your owner’s manual will tell you when to schedule a flush.
• Coolant: Coolant is important in any vehicle, and the coolant in an EV model will keep your battery and systems from overheating on the Bloomington roads. 

Electric Vehicle Parts 

Beyond electric car service, it’s important to know how your EV model works in order to understand why it has different needs than a typical gas-powered vehicle. An electric car uses an electric motor, which transforms the battery’s electrical energy into motion. The battery can be recharged at home in Minnetonka or out and about at public charging stations in Hopkins. Here are some terms to know before your electric car service.

• Charging ports: These ports are located on the exterior of your vehicle, and they are the external chargers that you use to add power to your battery. 
• Traction motors: The traction motors turn your car’s wheels while driving.
• Onboard charger: This built-in charger converts the external charge you receive from a charging port into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: This feature converts the high-voltage direct current (DC) power from the battery into low-voltage DC power that the vehicle can use.
• Battery: The battery acts as storage for the electricity in your vehicle, and this electricity is then used to propel the vehicle forward.
• Thermal system: The thermal system adjusts the temperature inside your vehicle, so your motors and electric components don’t overheat.

Get Electric Car Service at Suburban Chevrolet in Eden Prairie

Are you looking for service for an EV? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Suburban Chevrolet. Our service center can bring out the best in your vehicle, so contact us with questions or schedule your appointment in Eden Prairie. We’ll be happy to deliver the quality service for your EV that you deserve at competitive prices.