Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Repair Ealing
Electric and hybrid cars may not need an oil change, but they still need regular servicing and the occasional repair to stay safe and reliable. At Auto Workshop, established in 1978, we’ve been looking after cars from our garage on Elers Road since 1995, and today that includes EV service and maintenance in Ealing. From brakes and steering to suspension, tyres and air con, we take care of the mechanical side of your electric or hybrid car.
Much of Your EV's Maintenance Is the Same as a Petrol or Diesel Car
It's easy to assume an electric car is completely different under the skin, but much of it isn't. An EV still has brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tyres, bearings, wipers, lights and a heating and cooling system, just like an ICE (internal combustion engine) petrol or diesel car. These parts wear in much the same way, and they're maintained and repaired in much the same way too.
The main difference is what drives the car. A fully electric car uses a high-voltage battery and electric motor instead of an engine, so there's no engine oil, spark plugs, clutch or exhaust. A hybrid combines both, so it needs engine care as well as the usual mechanical checks.
What's Included in EV Service & Maintenance?
Our EV service covers the parts of your car that wear in everyday driving, and if anything needs fixing, we can carry out the repair too:
Brakes
Regenerative braking means your discs and pads are used less, so they can corrode or seize. We check, clean and service them, and replace discs, pads, calipers and brake fluid when needed.
Steering and suspension
The weight of the battery puts extra strain on these parts. We check for wear, play and damage, and repair components such as track rod ends, steering racks, shock absorbers, springs, bushes and drop links.
Tyres, wheels and bearings
EVs are heavier and deliver instant power, which can wear tyres faster. We check tread depth, condition, pressures and alignment, and repair wheel bearings, driveshafts and CV joints.
12V battery, lights and wipers
Your EV still has a 12V battery that powers its everyday electrics, and if it fails, the car may not start. We test it, along with your lights, wipers and other safety checks.
Filters and fluids
We replace the pollen (cabin) filter to keep the air clean and the windows clear, and check levels such as brake fluid, coolant and screenwash.
These are the same trusted checks and repairs we've been carrying out on petrol and diesel cars for decades, using genuine OE or equivalent-quality parts. For hybrids, we also look after the engine, including the oil and filter change, air filter and spark plugs where due, just like a standard car service.
Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
Yes. It's a common myth that electric cars don't need servicing because they have fewer moving parts. While there's less to maintain, the mechanical parts still wear, and some wear faster because of the car's weight. Regular servicing keeps your EV safe, protects its value and helps catch small problems before they become expensive. Servicing with an independent garage to the manufacturer's schedule also keeps your warranty valid.
Keeping Your Battery Cool
In many electric cars, the air con also helps keep the high-voltage battery at the right temperature, especially in hot weather and during rapid charging. If the cooling isn't working properly, you may notice slower charging, reduced range or reduced power. That's why regular air conditioning checks are an important part of looking after your EV.
Everyday Maintenance
Our EV service focuses on general maintenance and mechanical repairs. We don't carry out work on high-voltage systems, such as the main battery, electric motor or charging system. If we spot anything that needs specialist attention, we'll let you know and point you in the right direction.
Why Choose Auto Workshop in Ealing?
Family-run garage
Serving Ealing since 1995, Est. 1978
Honest advice with
no pressure and no unnecessary work
Accredited by The Motor Ombudsman
Trust My Garage approved & RMI member
Genuine OE or equivalent
quality parts for any repairs
Specialist knowledge
of Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda
A cost-effective
alternative to main dealers
EV Service & Maintenance in Ealing You Can Trust
For over 45 years, drivers across Ealing, Northfields and West Ealing have trusted Auto Workshop to look after their cars, and that doesn't change when you go electric. We give honest advice, do careful work and charge fair prices, so your EV or hybrid gets the care it deserves. Book your EV service with us today.
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes. Electric cars don't need oil changes, but their brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, 12V battery and cabin filter still need regular checks. Some parts, such as tyres and suspension, can wear faster because EVs are heavier.
Is EV maintenance different from a petrol or diesel car?
Much of it is the same. Electric cars have the same brakes, steering, suspension, tyres and bearings as petrol and diesel cars, and these are maintained and repaired in the same way. The main difference is that EVs have no engine, so there's no oil, spark plugs, clutch or exhaust to look after.
How often should an electric car be serviced?
Most electric cars should be serviced every 12 months or according to the manufacturer's schedule, which is often based on time or mileage. Your car's handbook or service record will show its recommended intervals.
Why do brakes on electric cars corrode?
Electric and hybrid cars use regenerative braking, where the motor slows the car and recharges the battery. Because the brake discs and pads are used less, they can corrode or seize over time, so they need regular checks and cleaning.
Do electric cars wear tyres and suspension faster?
Often, yes. EVs are heavier than most petrol and diesel cars and deliver instant torque, which can wear tyres and suspension parts more quickly. Regular checks help keep you safe and get the most life from these parts.
Can an independent garage repair my electric car?
Yes, for mechanical repairs. Auto Workshop in Ealing repairs brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings and other mechanical parts on electric and hybrid cars. We don't work on high-voltage systems, but we'll let you know if anything needs specialist attention.
Will servicing at an independent garage affect my EV warranty?
No. As long as your electric or hybrid car is serviced to the manufacturer's schedule using suitable quality parts, your warranty remains valid.
Why is air conditioning important for an electric car?
In many electric cars, the air con system helps keep the high-voltage battery at the right temperature. A well-maintained system helps protect charging speed, range and battery life.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes. Electric and hybrid cars need an MOT from three years old, just like petrol and diesel cars. Fully electric cars don't need an emissions test, but every other check still applies. We carry out MOTs on electric and hybrid vehicles at our Ealing test centre.