Do electric cars use oil?

If you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV), you might be wondering how different the maintenance is compared to a petrol or diesel car. One common question is, ‘do electric cars use oil?’. The short answer is no, at least not in the same way that traditional vehicles do. Learn more about why EVs don’t require oil to operate effectively.   

 

 

What is an electric vehicle?  

Electric cars, also known as all-electric vehicles (EVs), run solely on battery power that charges from an electric charging point. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric cars have an electric vehicle engine and use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell. Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors which use energy stored in batteries. There are two types of hybrid vehicles, ybrid-electric and plug-in hybrids.  The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the combustion engine. A self-charging hybrid known as a HEV, whereas a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can use regenerative braking and be plugged in to top up the battery.   

 

Why don’t electric cars need engine oil? 

Electric vehicles are powered by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines. Since there are no moving engine parts that cause friction, like in a traditional engine, there's no need for engine oil to lubricate anything. That means no more oil changes - one of the biggest perks of EV ownership! 

 

What fluids need maintaining in an electric vehicle?  

Although EVs do not use oil, there are other fluids and lubricants that should be checked periodically. Routine checks on these three fluids are required.  

Coolant 

EVs rely on coolant fluid to prevent the batteries from overheating. Adding and replacing the coolant is vital during maintenance.   

Brake Fluid 

The braking system in an electric car relies on the brake fluid to work smoothly. Typically, brake fluid in EVs should be replaced after every 25,000 miles.   

Windshield Washing Fluid   

Topping up windshield washing fluid, also known as screen wash, depends on usage and it should be checked and refilled as often as needed.   

 

Do hybrid cars need engine oil? 

If you own a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), your car has both an electric motor and a combustion engine. In that case, yes, you’ll still need engine oil and regular oil changes, just like you would in a petrol or diesel car. 

Electric car servicing 

Although you won’t need oil changes, electric vehicles still require regular servicing to keep them running smoothly. That includes: 

• Battery health checks 

• Tyre rotations 

• Brake inspections 

• Software updates 

 

What maintenance do electric cars need? 

• Brake maintenance – replace brake pads and discs when needed, and be sure to replace brake fluid when required.   

• Tyre maintenance – rotate your tyres according to the owner’s manual and keep tyre pressure topped up. You should also replace tyres when worn.   

• Battery maintenance – be sure to charge your battery according to the owner’s manual and never let it run out of battery completely.   

It’s particularly important to check these components before you book in for an MOT or service. Here at Merityre, our service branches have fully trained experts who can provide maintenance checks and services for electric vehicles. Locate your nearest Merityre Specialists garage now or contact our friendly team to find out more about the benefits of electric cars.   

 

Oil-free engines 

Electric cars don’t use engine oil, and that’s a big win for your wallet and the environment. If you’re curious about switching to an EV or want to learn more about EV maintenance, Merityre can help. 

Book your electric car service at your nearest Merityre branch or contact us for advice from our experts.