Electric cars are appearing in greater numbers across UK roads, but many new owners still don’t realise that their upkeep differs significantly from petrol or diesel models.
According to car-sharing marketplace Turo, there are a number of essential maintenance factors EV owners should be aware of — such as special tyre requirements and braking systems that function differently from traditional vehicles.
As sales of electric cars continue to grow, understanding these distinctions is increasingly important to maintain safety standards and optimal vehicle performance.
Rory Brimmer, UK Managing Director of car sharing marketplace Turo, says:
“Electric vehicles are brilliantly simple in many ways – no oil changes, no exhaust systems, far fewer moving parts. But this simplicity can be deceptive. EVs have their own unique maintenance requirements that many drivers simply aren’t aware of, and overlooking these can lead to premature wear, reduced efficiency, or even safety issues.
“For anyone considering making the switch to electric, Turo offers the perfect opportunity to rent an EV for an extended period of time to truly understand whether electric driving suits their lifestyle. This trial period offers the chance to experience the unique characteristics of EV ownership – from charging routines to regenerative braking – in real-world driving scenarios before committing to a purchase. Drivers will quickly discover these maintenance quirks and understand what EV ownership actually entails.
“The good news is that once these differences are understood, EV maintenance is often easier and less expensive than looking after a traditional car. But this knowledge is crucial, whether test-driving through Turo or owning an electric vehicle.”
Top EV Maintenance Tips
The Tyre Conundrum: What drivers need to know
One of the most overlooked aspects of EV maintenance is tyre selection. EVs are significantly heavier than their petrol equivalents due to battery weight, with some models weighing 300-500kg more. This extra weight, combined with instant torque delivery, puts substantially more stress on tyres.
What makes EV tyres different:
- Reinforced sidewalls to handle additional vehicle weight
- Low rolling resistance compounds for maximising range
- Specific tread patterns designed for instant torque delivery
- Higher load ratings compared to equivalent-sized conventional tyres
The foam factor: Many EVs now come fitted with polyurethane foam-filled tyres rather than traditional air-filled ones. This acoustic foam inside the tyre significantly reduces road noise, which becomes more noticeable in the absence of engine sound. While these tyres can be repaired if punctured, they require specialist equipment and trained technicians. Always check whether the EV has foam-filled tyres before attempting a DIY repair or visiting a standard tyre centre.
The weight warning: The substantial weight of EVs has serious implications beyond tyre wear. Many standard recovery vehicles and tow trucks cannot safely lift or transport heavier electric vehicles, particularly larger SUV models that can exceed 2.5 tonnes. When arranging breakdown cover for an EV, always verify that the policy includes specialist EV recovery services with appropriately rated equipment. Being stranded with a breakdown is frustrating; being stranded because the recovery truck can’t handle the vehicle’s weight is far worse.
Pro tip: EV tyres typically wear 20-30% faster than conventional car tyres due to the extra weight and torque. Check tyre pressure monthly and inspect tread depth every 3,000 miles. Underinflated tyres on an EV will significantly impact range.
Brake Maintenance: Less is More (But Don’t Ignore Them)
Regenerative braking is one of the most satisfying aspects of EV driving, converting kinetic energy back into battery charge. However, this system means traditional friction brakes are used far less frequently, which creates its own maintenance challenges.
The paradox of EV brakes: While brake pads and discs last much longer on EVs (often 100,000+ miles), the lack of regular use can cause problems:
- Brake discs can develop surface rust when not used regularly
- Brake callipers may seize if not exercised periodically
- Brake fluid still needs changing every 2-3 years despite lower brake usage
Maintenance strategy: Once a month, find a safe, quiet road and perform several firm stops using the brake pedal rather than regenerative braking. This cleans the disc surface and exercises the calliper mechanisms. In wet weather, a few light brake applications after driving through water prevents rust buildup.
Warning Sign: If grinding, squealing, or vibration is detected during braking, the vehicle should be inspected immediately. Although modern brake pads tend to last longer, when replacement is required, it often necessitates a full brake system inspection due to the extended service interval.
Battery Care: The Heart of an EV
Unlike checking oil levels, battery maintenance is largely invisible to drivers, but understanding optimal charging practices can extend battery life significantly.
Charging best practices:
- Keep battery charge between 20-80% for daily driving
- Only charge to 100% before long journeys
- Avoid letting the battery drop below 10% regularly
- Use rapid charging sparingly; regular fast charging can accelerate battery degradation
- In cold weather, precondition the battery before charging for optimal charging speed
Temperature management: Extreme temperatures affect battery performance. In winter, range can drop by 20-40%. Park in garages when possible, and use pre-conditioning while still plugged in to heat the cabin without draining the battery.
Pro tip: Many electric vehicles include battery conditioning features within their software. Drivers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these systems and use scheduled pre-conditioning for routine journeys. This practice helps protect the battery while maximising driving range.
Software Updates: The New Oil Change
Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs improve over time through over-the-air software updates. These aren’t optional extras; they’re essential maintenance that can improve range, performance, charging speeds, and safety features.
Update strategy:
- Enable automatic updates when possible
- Check for updates monthly if not automatic
- Never interrupt an update in progress
- Read update notes; some require specific conditions (parked, charged above 50%)
- Updates can take 30-60 minutes; plan accordingly
Pro tip: Major updates often include battery management improvements that can restore some range lost to battery aging.