Ford EV and Hybrid Maintenance Repair Service

Switching to a Ford electric or hybrid vehicle is a great lifestyle choice. They’re better for the environment, and their lower running costs help you save money. But here at Riverside Ford in Macon, GA, many potential EV and hybrid buyers ask us how the maintenance and servicing needs differ from a regular gas-powered car.

When some people read that EVs need less maintenance, they think they don’t need annual servicing, but every vehicle needs routine service to keep it in tip-top condition. We’ve put this guide together so you know what to expect, from service intervals and software updates to tire rotations and seasonal maintenance.

Ford EV and Hybrid Maintenance: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Ford Mach-E at night by Adrian Newell licensed with Unsplash License

As with any car, the key to keeping your Ford EV or hybrid running at its best is routine servicing. You should always check your maintenance schedule and set up regular service appointments at your Ford dealership. Hybrid vehicle service intervals and maintenance tasks are similar to those of gasoline-only cars, while EV servicing is a little different.

EVs don’t need engine oil and filter changes. Hybrid models still need them, but usually less often than a regular gas-powered car. Both EVs and hybrids need tire rotations, wheel alignments, steering and suspension checks, and checks and top-offs of the coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Essential Maintenance Services for Ford Electric Vehicles

Ford EVs like the classy Mustang Mach-E and the versatile F-150 Lightning have fewer moving parts and don’t need regular oil changes. However, you still need to carry out regular maintenance and checks to ensure your EV is in top shape. When you bring your EV to our Riverside Ford service center, our factory-trained technicians will perform a multi-point inspection, which includes:

• Checking the battery for any issues.
• Inspecting the high-voltage cabling for any damage.
• Checking the cooling system and topping off the coolant if needed.
• Inspecting the braking system, including the pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid.
• Checking the steering and suspension, as the heavier weight of an EV puts extra stress on the components.
• Testing the 12V battery.
• Checking the air conditioning.
• Testing the interior and exterior lights and windshield wipers.

At each service, we’ll also rotate the tires and check them for damage and excess wear. At every other service visit, we’ll replace the cabin air filter. Ford EVs feature regenerative braking, which helps to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery. While this reduces wear on the friction braking components, drivers should use the friction brakes from time to time to keep them in good condition and reduce the risk of the brakes binding.

Ford Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Services

A Ford hybrid car, such as the Escape Hybrid or Explorer Hybrid, has a gas engine that needs the same service tasks as a standard ICE vehicle and at similar intervals. The standard service involves a multi-point inspection to check the brakes, tires, suspension, steering, battery, fluids, cabin air filter, and more. We’ll also change the engine oil and filter.

For a hybrid vehicle, additional maintenance tasks include checking the hybrid battery, inspecting the high-voltage cabling, and inspecting the hybrid battery cooling system. Like EVs, the extra weight of the battery can cause the tires and suspension to wear out faster. However, the engine oil and brake components may need replacing less often. When a hybrid vehicle features regenerative braking, drivers need to use the friction brakes to prevent binding.

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals

EV drivers in the greater Macon and Warner Robins areas, including Forsyth, Milledgeville, and Byron, should make a service appointment at Riverside Ford every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. For hybrid vehicle drivers, the maintenance interval is 12 months or 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Whatever type of vehicle you drive, we will check for software updates for you while your car is with us.

Georgia’s hot, humid summers and cold winters can affect EV and hybrid battery performance. Extreme heat puts extra strain on the cooling system, while cold temperatures can reduce battery range. We recommend that you schedule additional spring and fall inspections to ensure your car is prepared for the temperature changes.

Why Service at Riverside Ford?

At our Riverside Ford state-of-the-art service center, we offer expert EV and hybrid maintenance services with certified technicians and the latest Ford-approved equipment. Our technicians use only OEM parts, so you can be sure your car is being serviced to the highest standards with high-quality parts designed for your specific vehicle.

Our service team is committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our additional services include complimentary Ford pickup and delivery, where we collect your vehicle, service it, and bring it back to you. We also offer mobile service with a technician who services your car right on your driveway. If you bring your car to our dealership, you can enjoy the comfortable waiting area and complimentary Wi-Fi while your car is being serviced, or you can explore our new Ford inventory.

We are here to help with all your motoring needs, from choosing a new car and exploring finance and leasing options to routine maintenance and essential repairs. We want you to have a memorable experience so that you’ll come back to us time after time.

Book a Service Appointment Today

Contact us today to schedule your EV or hybrid service to ensure optimal performance from your car. We make it easy to book your appointment online, by phone, or in person at our dealership. We always offer value for money, but you should check our service specials for relevant money-saving offers. Whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, shopping for the best finance solutions, or searching for professional vehicle servicing and repairs, Riverside Ford is your reliable provider of exceptional automotive services in Macon.