EVs need far less annual maintenance than gas cars, but there are still a handful of checks worth doing every year: tire rotation and inspection, brake system inspection, 12V battery health check, cabin air filter replacement, and a general software/connectivity check. None of these are complicated or expensive, but skipping them for multiple years is how small issues turn into breakdowns.
The Yearly EV Checklist
1. Tire Rotation and Inspection
EVs are heavier than comparable gas cars and deliver instant torque, both of which wear tires faster than most drivers expect. Rotating tires yearly (or per manufacturer guidance, often more frequently) evens out wear and extends tire life.
2. Brake System Inspection
Regenerative braking means EV brake pads last much longer than on a gas car, but the system should still be inspected annually to make sure calipers and lines are in good shape, even if the pads themselves have plenty of life left.
3. 12V Battery Check
This is one of the most overlooked parts of EV ownership. The 12V battery powers the low-voltage systems that "wake up" the car — without it, the vehicle can be completely unresponsive even with a fully charged main battery. A yearly check (or sooner if you notice slow wake-up times or dashboard warnings) can catch a failing 12V battery before it strands you. If it does fail, 12V Battery Assistance starts at $99.
4. Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Often forgotten because there's no engine to remind you during an oil change. A clogged cabin filter affects climate control efficiency and air quality inside the car.
5. Software and Connectivity Check
Confirm your vehicle is running current software, that OTA updates have completed successfully, and that app connectivity (remote start, charging status, location) is working as expected. Small connectivity glitches are common and usually easy to resolve.
6. Interior and Sensor Cleaning
Not strictly mechanical, but a periodic deep interior clean and, for vehicles with driver-assist cameras or sensors, a cleaning of those surfaces helps keep everything functioning as designed. EV Cleaning Services covers interior cleaning starting at $49 and camera/sensor cleaning starting at $79.
What You Can Skip
Compared to a gas car, you don't need:
- Oil changes
- Spark plug replacement
- Transmission fluid service
- Exhaust system checks
- Timing belt replacement
This is a big part of why EVs are cheaper to maintain year to year — there's simply less to service.
Building a Simple Routine
A reasonable approach is to bundle these checks around one annual appointment, similar to how you'd schedule a yearly physical rather than reacting to symptoms. Catching a weakening 12V battery or worn tire early is a lot less stressful than dealing with it on the side of the road.
See Services for the full range of support EV24Help offers, from routine checks to emergency response.
If you're not sure what your EV needs this year, or something's already acting up, call 321.662.1053 or request help to get it looked at.