Electric vehicles (EVs) have changed the way we drive, but one of the biggest myths surrounding them is that they never need servicing.

While it's true that EVs have fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel engine, they are still complex vehicles with brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, cooling systems, batteries and electrical components that all require regular inspection and maintenance.

At Crafers Auto Service and Repair, we regularly meet new EV owners in Crafers who are surprised to learn that routine servicing remains an important part of owning an electric vehicle. Keeping your EV maintained helps protect your investment, improves safety and can help identify small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Many people assume that because an EV doesn't have spark plugs, engine oil or timing belts, it doesn't require scheduled servicing.

In reality, manufacturers still provide service schedules because many important systems continue to wear over time. Ignoring these inspections can lead to reduced performance, increased repair costs and even affect your vehicle warranty.

Some electric vehicles even have components that many owners don't expect.

The Biggest EV Myth: "There's Nothing to Service"

While many EVs don't use traditional engine oil, some electric vehicles—including certain Tesla models—still require oil and filter changes for components such as drive units or reduction gearboxes according to manufacturer specifications. Every manufacturer has different maintenance requirements, making professional servicing essential.

An electric motor may require very little routine maintenance, but the rest of the vehicle continues working just as hard as any conventional car.

One of the most common maintenance items on an EV is tyre replacement.

Electric vehicles are typically heavier due to the battery pack and produce maximum torque instantly when accelerating. This combination often means tyres can wear more quickly than many drivers realise.

Regular servicing includes checking:

Tyres Wear Faster Than Many Owners Expect

Many EVs also require tyres specifically designed to handle the additional weight while reducing road noise and improving efficiency.

People often assume regenerative braking means brake servicing isn't necessary.

While regenerative braking can reduce wear on brake pads, it also means the conventional brakes may be used less frequently. This can allow brake discs to develop corrosion and brake components to seize if they aren't inspected regularly.

Routine servicing helps ensure:

Brake discs are free from excessive corrosion

Reliable brakes remain one of the most important safety systems on any vehicle.

EVs place significant weight on their suspension systems.

Over thousands of kilometres, components such as:

naturally wear and require inspection.

If ignored, worn suspension can affect handling, tyre life and braking performance.

The high-voltage battery is the heart of an EV.

To maximise battery life, manufacturers use cooling systems that may include coolant, pumps, hoses and heat exchangers.

These systems require periodic inspection to ensure the battery operates within its designed temperature range, particularly during Australian summers.

A cooling system fault can reduce battery efficiency and, in some cases, limit charging performance.

Even without an engine, your air conditioning system still draws outside air through a cabin filter.

Over time these filters become blocked with:

Replacing the cabin air filter improves air quality and helps your heating and air conditioning system work more efficiently.

One surprise for many EV owners is that most electric vehicles still have a conventional 12-volt battery.

This battery powers many of the vehicle's electronics, including computers, lighting, locking systems and accessories.

When the 12-volt battery fails, your EV may not even start despite the high-voltage battery being fully charged.

Routine battery testing helps identify a weakening battery before it leaves you stranded.

Modern EVs rely heavily on sophisticated electronics.

During servicing, technicians can inspect electronic systems, scan for fault codes and identify issues that may not yet trigger a dashboard warning.

Early diagnosis often prevents larger repairs later.

Software Updates and Electronic System Checks

Having these symptoms checked early can help avoid more costly repairs.

Skipping servicing to save money can often have the opposite effect.

Routine inspections allow technicians to identify worn components before they damage surrounding parts.

For example:

A wheel alignment may significantly extend tyre life.

Replacing worn suspension bushes early can prevent premature tyre wear.

Identifying a cooling system issue early may help protect expensive battery components.

Preventative maintenance is generally far less expensive than major repairs.

An Unusual EV Fact

Many people believe regenerative braking means brake pads never wear out.

In reality, one of the more common issues technicians encounter is surface rust on brake discs, particularly on vehicles that rely heavily on regenerative braking. Regular servicing helps ensure the conventional braking system remains in safe working order when you need it most.

Owning an electric vehicle doesn't mean saying goodbye to servicing—it simply means servicing is different.

Regular inspections help keep your EV safe, reliable and performing as its manufacturer intended while reducing the risk of unexpected repairs.

As an independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre, Crafers Auto Service and Repair has the equipment and expertise to inspect and maintain electric vehicles in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Whether you're new to EV ownership or it's time for your next scheduled service, our experienced team can help keep your electric vehicle ready for every journey around Crafers and beyond.

Book your next EV service with Crafers Auto Service and Repair and discover that while electric vehicles may have fewer moving parts, they still deserve expert care.

Trust Your Local Adelaide Hills EV Service Specialists

Think electric cars don't need servicing? Learn why regular EV servicing protects safety, reliability and warranty. Book your EV service with Crafers Auto Service and Repair in Crafers.

EV Car Servicing in Crafers | Why Electric Cars Still Need Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your vehicle helps to ensure that you and your family stay safe on the road and enjoy trouble-free motoring.

At Crafers Auto Service and Repair we utilise state-of-the-art equipment when maintaining your vehicle to complete your handbook servicing, regular maintenance services and all types of mechanical repairs. From brakes to suspension, we can do it all.

Our fully-equipped, purpose-built workshop in Crafers in the Adelaide Hills, holds up-to-date tools and auto servicing technology. We can handle any kind of mechanical servicing and repairs including fleet vehicles and repairs for trucks, 4X4's and a large range of light commercial vehicles. 

Lights, wipers, battery and electrical check

We understand how important your vehicle is to your daily routine, and we always strive to provide fast turnaround times. Our mechanics are fully qualified and keep up to date with the latest tools and technology changes.

Regardless of your vehicle type, we’ll look after your vehicle like it was their own. As a convenience for our customers, we also have loan cars available, so that you can get to work in the morning.

Contact us today to book your vehicle in for maintenance or repairs.

Let Crafers Auto Service and Repair maintain your vehicle to ensure that you and your family stay safe on the road and enjoy trouble-free motoring.

Car Maintenance & Repair Services in Crafers

At Crafers Auto Service and Repair, we've noticed a significant increase in the number of hybrid electric vehicles on the roads of Adelaide, particularly among a few popular models.

We anticipate this trend to continue as more vehicle manufacturers move away from traditional petrol and diesel engines towards the production of electric and hybrid vehicles. This shift is driven by the need to achieve emission reduction targets and comply with international regulations that limit or ban the use of combustion engines. We're keeping up with these developments to better serve our customers.

A hybrid vehicle uses more than one type of energy for propulsion, combining a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor to drive the vehicle. These vehicles are called hybrids because they use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Our team at Crafers Auto Service and Repair has received special training to service and repair these vehicles.

- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)

Yes, like all vehicles, hybrid cars require regular servicing to prolong their lifespan and ensure they run efficiently.

Indeed, at Crafers Auto Service and Repair, we are fully equipped and qualified to manage your vehicle's log book servicing during its warranty period, ensuring the warranty remains valid.

Can Crafers Auto Service and Repair handle Log Book Servicing for Hybrid Cars?

Given the dual-engine system in hybrid cars, Crafers Auto Service and Repair provides comprehensive servicing that includes routine checks for brakes, cabin air filters, shock absorbers, and essential fluids such as driveline oils, brake fluid, and coolant.

What Services are provided for my Hybrid Car?

We also check the steering and suspension systems, spark plugs, tyres, wiper blades, lights, air, and fuel filters, and replace them as necessary.

Special attention is given to the unique components of a hybrid vehicle, including the electric motor parts, which require regular inspection and maintenance. The 12-volt battery, crucial for a hybrid car’s operation, is regularly inspected and replaced when needed.

Engine oil and filter change: Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Tyre rotation: Recommended at each service to ensure even tyre wear.

Brake inspection and servicing: Checked at every service.

Battery testing: To avoid unexpected breakdowns, especially before long journeys.

Transmission servicing: Important for automatic vehicles to regularly check and change the transmission fluid.

Coolant change: Prevents overheating by replacing degraded coolant.

Spark plug replacement: To maintain engine performance and fuel economy.

Air filter replacement: Maintains good airflow and engine performance.

Belts and hoses check: To replace worn parts.

Windscreen wiper replacement: Ensures clear visibility in the rain.

Light checks: All vehicle lights are checked for proper function.

Choosing a workshop with skilled technicians who have access to the latest diagnostic tools, proper equipment, and quality parts is crucial for servicing your hybrid vehicle. As an independently owned and operated Repco Authorised Service centre, Crafers Auto Service and Repair has access to Repco AutoTech for the most current training, information, quality Repco parts and lubricants. Our parts meet OEM specifications and won't affect your warranty.

Remember, service schedules may vary based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for specific maintenance instructions.

Trust Crafers Auto Service and Repair for professional hybrid car servicing. Specialised care for HEVs & PHEVs, log book servicing, and comprehensive maintenance checks. Keep your hybrid running smoothly.

Expert Hybrid Car Servicing in Crafers | Maintain Your Hybrid Efficiently

As vehicle technology continues to improve, components have become computerised. These significant advances are beneficial to the vehicle owners and to auto technicians.

Modern vehicles utilise computer-controlled transmissions, ignition systems and fuel injection systems that gather data from multiple sensors placed throughout the car. These sensors alert the computer if they detect any issues, which triggers the check engine light.

To diagnose engine issues efficiently, a computer diagnostic test employs specialised software and vehicle diagnostics tools. This approach can save you considerable time and money by pinpointing problems without requiring laborious component disassembly.

Having the correct equipment is an essential part of servicing the modern cars of today.

Here at Crafers Auto Service and Repair, we have the latest diagnostic equipment that can identify and allow us to fix any electrical issue your vehicle might experience.

Wondering when you should book in for a diagnostic service? This type of service should be performed when you’re experiencing drivability issues, reduced fuel economy, or when your check engine/service engine soon light is illuminated.

A diagnostic test checks many different components, including:

The test is also able to detect performance issues with:

A computer diagnostics check at Crafers Auto Service and Repair can identify the problem, no matter how big or small. Call us today!

Check Engine Light On? Have your vehicles onboard computer checked by Crafers Auto Service and Repair

Onboard Computer Engine Diagnostics Service in Crafers

Crafers Auto Service and Repair provides expert computer diagnostics services for modern vehicles, employing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and software. This advanced approach quickly and accurately identifies problems in your vehicle, potentially saving you significant time and money by avoiding unnecessary disassembly. 

Crafers Auto Service and Repair technicians are highly skilled at diagnosing and fixing a variety of issues related to engine, transmission, brakes, exhaust system, fuel injector, ignition coils, airflow, coolant, and throttle. Computer diagnostics are highly recommended for addressing drivability issues, enhancing fuel economy, or when your check engine light is on.

Contact us straight away if you notice any issues or have any concerns, we are ready to assist! Plus we also have Loan Cars Available, so you can get on with your day while we do our work.

Expert auto servicing with the latest engine computer diagnostics Crafers Auto Service and Repair. We help identify and fix vehicle electrical issues, improving fuel economy and drivability. Book your service today.

Automotive Engine Computer Diagnostics in Crafers

Crafers Auto Service and Repair take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Adelaide Hills Brake and Clutch Specialists.

Conveniently located in Crafers, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Crafers Auto Service and Repair have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Crafers Auto Service and Repair

Auto Diagnostics

A diagnostic test checks many different components, including:

The test is also able to detect performance issues with:

Let's get started with your booking.

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