Close Electric Vehicles Service
You’ve been looking forward to driving your Toyota electric vehicle (EV) around Lansing, Okemo, and Haslett, Michigan. However, do you know anything about electric vehicle service?
It’s a good idea to learn about it before you drive your EV off the lot. Spartan Toyota has put together this quick guide to explain caring for your EV now and in the future. Use the links on this page to keep you on top of your car’s service needs.
Servicing EV tires will still be on your list. They’re the only contact your car makes with the road, so you need to keep on top of important details, such as monitoring the tire pressure.
Every six months, a tire rotation should be scheduled. The front tires can wear out at a faster clip than the rear ones. To help ensure that the front tires wear out at the same pace, they must be switched with the rear ones. When you do this, your car will provide a much smoother ride than if you didn’t schedule this procedure.
The tires on an EV may wear out sooner due to the weight of the battery, which adds extra strain. However, if you keep an eye on them by checking tread depth, inflation levels, and overall wear, you’ll know when they should be replaced, ensuring consistent performance and safety on the road.
Another test you can perform to see how the tires are holding up is the quarter test. Grab a quarter, insert it into the tread, and see if the top of George Washington’s head is visible. If it is, the tread may be too shallow to grip the road properly. If it disappears, the tires are in good shape.
At our tire center, you'll find a wide selection of new tires from leading brands, ensuring the perfect fit for your vehicle. Many of our tire options come with road hazard replacement coverage for 24 months, giving you added peace of mind. Whether you need all-season, performance, or off-road tires, we have the right match to enhance your driving experience.
Finding the right tires for your EV is easy with help from our tire center professionals. We offer a tire price match and provide various financing options to suit your needs. Take advantage of special, limited time offers like buy three tires and getting the fourth for just a dollar. Visit us today to keep your EV running smoothly with the perfect set of tires.
The brakes on an EV need less maintenance than those on a gas-fueled vehicle, although they will still need brake fluid. The brake calipers must also have enough lubrication, which may be reduced with less use. Regular inspections are essential to ensure all components are functioning properly, enhancing safety and extending the life of the braking system.
Usually, brake pads deteriorate at a slower rate in an EV due to regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and sends it back to the battery. This will extend the life of your brake pads and also enhance efficiency by giving your car battery more power over time. By relying on regenerative braking, you can enjoy longer driving ranges and reduced wear on traditional braking components.
While brake pad replacements are less frequent with an EV due to regenerative braking, it's still important to know the signs of wear. Listen for squeaking, grinding, or reduced braking performance, which can signal deteriorating brake pads. Catching these issues early ensures your safety and helps avoid unexpected repairs. If you detect any of these signs, visit our service center for an inspection.
An EV battery requires less maintenance than its traditional counterparts. While the battery maintains a top ranking in importance, it will not be a frequent concern.
We highly recommend storing your EV in a garage or another enclosed area. Extreme weather, such as bitter cold or sweltering heat, affects the battery, which can lead to reduced performance and shorter battery life. By keeping your vehicle protected, you help maintain optimal battery health and ensure reliable operation in any season.
If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, your battery can last up to eight years or 100,000 miles. In more moderate climates, your battery can last between 12 and 15 years, which may coincide with you buying a new EV.
Regularly checking your EV’s battery will be paramount for optimal performance. Our service technicians inspect key components like charging capacity, cooling systems, and connections to ensure everything runs smoothly. We recommend scheduling a battery check every 12 months or according to your EV’s manufacturer guidelines. Staying proactive with these inspections helps maximize your battery's lifespan and ensures efficient, non-stop driving.
Although an EV requires fewer top-offs, it still uses power steering, brake, transmission, and windshield wiper fluid, so regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure everything functions properly and safely.
The wipers will need to be upgraded regularly as well. During wintertime or pollen season, using the proper amount of fluid and newer wipers can keep your windshield clear. Remember to update the cabin air filter to prevent debris and pollen from infiltrating the vehicle.
Also, interior lights, headlights, and blinkers must be replaced when they go out to ensure optimal visibility and safety on the road. Dim or non-functioning lights can compromise your ability to see and be seen by other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Regularly checking these lights helps maintain safety and prevents potential traffic violations.
Now that you know of the most pressing areas that may need service in your EV, you’re ready to travel around Lansing, Okemo, and Haslett, MI. Drive your Toyota EV with pride, knowing you understand what it takes to keep up with electric vehicle service.
Schedule a service appointment at Spartan Toyota today!