Electric and Hybrid Car Servicing

At Bosch Car Service, selected garages are certified by Bosch ensuring they live up to the requirements of training, diagnostic equipment, and safety.

When choosing the right garage for your electric or hybrid servicing and maintenance, consider the following factors:

• Certification: Check if the garage has certifications from the manufacturer, or any relevant industry bodies including Bosch
• Tools and equipment: Make sure the garage has the right tools and equipment to diagnose and repair electric and hybrid vehicles
• Experience and expertise: Look for an EV certified garage that has experience and expertise in repairing electric and hybrid vehicles
• Availability of spare parts: Ensure the repair shop has access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for your electric or hybrid car
• Customer reviews: Read customer reviews to get an idea of the garage’s reputation and the quality of their services
• Warranty: Find out if the garage offers any warranty on their services and parts
• Convenience: Consider the location and opening hours of the garage, and if they offer pickup and delivery services

By selecting a garage that is part of the Bosch Car Service network, you can trust that Bosch has taken full care of all the above points.

Below you will find the most common available types of electric and hybrid car repair services:

• Electrical system repair: Services for repairing the vehicle's electrical system, such as the charging system, power electronics, and battery cooling system
• Drive system repair: Services for repairing the electric drive system, including the electric motor, power inverter, and transmission
• Brake system repair: Services for repairing the brake system of electric and hybrid vehicles, including the regenerative braking system
• Suspension and steering repair: Services for repairing the suspension and steering system of electric and hybrid vehicles
• Software updates and firmware upgrades: Services for updating the vehicle's software and firmware to the latest version, which can improve its performance and address any bugs or glitches
• Preventive maintenance: Routine services, such as oil changes, tyre rotations, and battery checks, to keep the electric and hybrid vehicle in good working condition
• Body and collision repair: Services for repairing the body and structure of the vehicle after an accident, as well as repainting and refinishing services

Regular maintenance of electric and hybrid vehicles provides several benefits, including:

• Enhanced safety: Regular maintenance can identify potential safety issues, reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents on the road
• Improved performance: Regular electric car maintenance can ensure the vehicle's battery and other components are functioning at their best, leading to improved performance and extended vehicle life
• Increased fuel efficiency: Regular maintenance can help improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency, reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions
• Maintenance of warranty: Regular maintenance can help maintain the manufacturer's warranty, as some warranties may require regular maintenance to be performed by authorized technicians
• Prolonged vehicle lifespan: Regular maintenance can extend the life of the vehicle's components, helping to keep it running smoothly for a longer period of time
• Increased resale value: A well-maintained electric or hybrid vehicle is likely to have a higher resale value than a neglected one

Overall, regular electric car maintenance can help keep the vehicles in good condition, improve their performance and efficiency, and extend their lifespan.

In the UK, electric vehicles are exempt from the annual MOT test until they reach 3 years old. After that, they are subject to the same MOT test requirements as any other vehicle. It is recommended to have your electric vehicle inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to ensure that it is in good working order.

You may know if your electric or hybrid car needs repair or service if you notice any of the following signs:

• Reduced range or decreased battery performance: If you're noticing a reduction in the range of your electric vehicle or a decrease in battery performance, it could be a sign that the battery needs repair or replacement
• Reduced power or acceleration: If your electric or hybrid vehicle is not accelerating as quickly as normal, it may indicate a problem with the motor, transmission or battery
• Warning lights on the dashboard: If warning lights appear on the dashboard of your electric or hybrid vehicle, it may indicate a problem with the charging system, battery, or another component
• Strange noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from your electric or hybrid vehicle, such as grinding, knocking or whistling, it may indicate a problem with the motor or transmission
• Slow or no charging: If your electric or hybrid vehicle is not charging as quickly as normal or not charging at all, it may indicate a problem with the charging system or the battery
• Reduced fuel efficiency: If your hybrid vehicle is not getting the fuel efficiency as normal, it may indicate a problem with the hybrid system or battery

If you experience any of these signs, it's best to take your electric or hybrid vehicle to a qualified repair technician for diagnosis and repair such as Bosch Car Service.

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines, making them less prone to wear. Nevertheless, some of the parts need to be replaced more frequently:

• Battery: One of the most important components of your electric vehicle is the high-voltage battery. This is relevant to the performance and safety of your vehicle. According to the recommendation of some manufacturers, you should usually have the battery checked and if necessary, replaced every 4 to 8 years
• Charging cable: The charger can be damaged by frequent use or overheating and would then need to be replaced
• Cooling system: Many electric vehicles have a cooling system for the battery and other electronic components. You must have this system serviced regularly so that, for example, the battery does not overheat or become damaged
• Brake pads / brake discs (brake system): Electric vehicles use a braking system just like internal combustion engines. Most use a partially regenerative braking system which reduces wear on the brake pads. Natural wear will still occur over time, meaning they will have to be replaced, which includes the brake fluid
• Tyres: Tyres are wear and tear parts on any type of vehicle and must be checked regularly and replaced when they become too worn
• Cabin filters (air conditioning): Just as with internal combustion vehicles, the air conditioning system and associated filters must be replaced when they show signs of wear and tear and after a certain amount of time
• Windshield wipers: Windshield wipers and the windshield wiper system are still among the vehicle components that need to be replaced after a certain amount of time

Take a good look at the individual specifications of the manufacturer of your electric vehicle regarding maintenance/service to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. At our Bosch Car Service garages, we always work according to the manufacturer's specifications and are happy to support you with any questions you may have.