Electric vehicles

EV service

Annual EV service — brake fluid, gear oil, battery coolant, cabin filter, 12V battery and software. No engine oil, but several other points are just as important.

EV service
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EV service — what's actually checked

An EV has no engine oil, drive belts, spark plugs or exhaust to replace. That doesn't mean it's service-free — it just has a different set of maintenance points. At Din Firmabil we perform annual service on all common EV brands (Tesla, VW ID, Audi e-tron, BMW iX, Polestar, Mercedes EQ, Hyundai/Kia, Nissan, Renault, MG and more), and we have certified technicians for high-voltage work.

What's actually replaced and checked

Brake fluid — on an EV the brake fluid is actually changed more often than on a petrol car. The reason is paradoxical: EVs use regenerative braking, so the pads are used little and the brake fluid doesn't get the regular heating that drives moisture out of the system. Moisture is absorbed into the fluid via the hoses, and over time the boiling point drops. We recommend brake fluid replacement every 2 years.

Gear oil (single-speed reducer) — most EVs have a simple reduction gearbox (not an automatic transmission), with its own oil bath. Interval varies from "never" (Tesla, lifetime fill) to every 60,000–120,000 km. We follow the manufacturer's specification.

Battery coolant — the high-voltage battery is liquid-cooled on most modern EVs. The coolant contains additives that protect against corrosion in the cold plates around the cells. Typically replaced every 4–6 years.

Cabin air filter — replaced annually. A clogged filter loads the heat pump and reduces range in cold weather.

12V battery — we load-test the 12V battery. A weak 12V is the most common cause of a "dead" EV in a parking garage, because you can't unlock or activate the high-voltage system.

Suspension, brakes, tyres and alignment — EVs are heavy (typically 200–400 kg heavier than the equivalent petrol car) and wear tyres and steering joints faster. We check ball joints, tie-rod ends, dampers and tyre wear.

Software — we connect the diagnostic tool and check whether the manufacturer has issued service updates. Tesla and VW push a lot over the air (OTA), while others still require workshop connection.

What an EV service does NOT include

No engine oil, no oil filter, no spark plugs, no drive belt, no engine air filter (but cabin filter is changed), no exhaust. This makes an EV service typically cheaper than a petrol car service — but not free.

Time estimate and price

A standard annual EV service takes 1–2 hours in the workshop, depending on whether brake fluid and battery coolant are changed. Price is typically NOK 2,500–4,500 including fluids and filter, considerably cheaper than the equivalent on a petrol car where oil, oil filter, spark plugs and air filter often add NOK 1,500–3,000 extra.

We always provide a fixed quote before starting, and you receive a written service protocol with all check points ticked off — documentation you can present when reselling later.

Book an EV service online or call us on 41 17 32 24.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between EV service and petrol car service?

An EV has no engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs, drive belt or exhaust to replace. Instead we check brake fluid, battery coolant, gear oil (single-speed reducer), cabin filter, 12V battery, software updates and physical components (suspension, brakes, tyres). Total price is often NOK 1,000–2,000 lower than petrol car service.

Does an EV need regular service?

Yes. Although an EV has fewer wear parts, it still has physical systems that need maintenance: brake fluid (changed more often on EV due to little heating), high-voltage battery coolant, gear oil, cabin filter, tyres and alignment, 12V battery and software. Most manufacturers recommend service every 12–24 months.

How much does an EV service cost?

Typically NOK 2,500–4,500 including fluids and filter, depending on whether brake fluid and battery coolant need replacement (every 2–6 years). We always give a fixed quote before starting so you know exactly what is included.

How often does the battery coolant need to be changed?

Typically every 4–6 years, depending on make and model. We check the condition at every service and recommend replacement when the coolant shows signs of oxidation or when the interval is reached.

Can you update the software on my EV?

On most makes, yes. We connect the diagnostic tool to the OBD port and download available service updates. Tesla and VW push much over the air (OTA), but some updates from these brands still require workshop connection.

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