Honda Electric Service FAQ | Bill Kay Honda
With a swath of electric vehicles (EVs) on the horizon, it’s important to have a maintenance provider you can count on. At Bill Kay Honda in Bourbonnais, IL, we provide service and maintenance options for customers who have hybrid and EVs. Learn more about our services by reading through this page.
Have any questions? Give our service center a call at (815) 324-3091 or send us a message.
Why Service Your Electric Vehicle at Bill Kay Honda?
Honda plans to roll out more hybrid versions of their core models as well as all-electric vehicles, which is why our certified technicians have the training and knowledge to service EVs. The first North American hybrid Honda — the Honda Insight — made its debut in 1999, so we have years of experience working with hybrid vehicles, too. And with our updated state-of-the-art service center, we have many desirable amenities to make your visit enjoyable.
Honda Service & Parts Specials Available
At Bill Kay Honda, we offer a variety of service coupons to help you save money. You can print one of our specials to show to our service team, or you can conveniently download our coupons to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay account.
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View Service SpecialsElectric Honda Service FAQ
Do Electric Cars Need To Change Their Oil?
Nope! Traditional gas cars have an internal combustion engine (ICE) that requires oil to keep the moving parts lubricated — this includes valves, pistons, and crankshafts. Over time, that oil deteriorates and accumulates debris, which is why gas vehicles require oil changes.
Because EVs run on battery power with an electric motor and not an ICE, there is no oil needed. However, there are a few critical fluids that your EV requires to run smoothly: coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
Do I Need to Replace Fluids In My Car?
Yes. As noted above, EVs still require some fluids to keep it running smoothly. Take a look at your owner’s manual to view maintenance interval recommendations. Some key fluids include:
- Coolant — Coolant (also known as antifreeze) keeps a number of systems from overheating, including the radiator and battery.
- Brake fluid — EV brake systems utilize brake fluid to operate brake pads and discs. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps press the brakes into action. For your brakes to work optimally, they need enough fluid. Because hybrid and EVs utilize regenerative braking, you won’t have to replace the fluid as often as conventional gas vehicles.
- Transmission fluid — While most EVs don’t have a traditional multi-speed transmission, they do have a transmission gear set. This fluid ensures that transmission gears are lubricated and move efficiently.
Do I Need to Maintain the Battery?
Generally speaking, EV batteries don’t require special maintenance like traditional gas vehicles do. However, it is still important to take necessary measures to prevent the battery from depleting. With regular use, batteries do wear down over time — much like the batteries in our smartphones and laptops — but there are a few key ways to maximize efficiency and increase lifespan.
- Be aware of your charging cycles — Experts recommend not charging your EV battery over 80 percent. The closer your battery is to 100 percent, the more stress is put on the battery pack, which can cause the battery to not last as long. It’s okay to do it occasionally, but it is not recommended for daily charging. Similarly, experts say to avoid letting the battery fall below 20 percent.
- Limit use of Level 3 charging ports — The Level 3 charger is a 480-volt direct current (DC) charger that is able to rapidly charge your battery. Because the battery is absorbing an incredible amount of power in such little time, it is more prone to being strained. Level 3 chargers are usually available to the public at spaces like grocery stores and gas stations. It’s fine to use them when you’re out and about and need a quick recharge, but not for everyday use. We recommend using a 220-volt Level 2 charger for at-home charging.
- Keep your EV in mild climates — EV batteries experience a greater decline when exposed to more extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. If possible, store your EV in a garage when it’s not in use.
Schedule Your Next Electric Honda Service Appointment Today
When your EV needs to be serviced, you can count on the team at Bill Kay Honda to get you back on the road! Schedule a service appointment at our Honda dealership in Bourbonnais, IL. If you have any questions, give our service center a call at (815) 324-3091 or send us a message.
