EV Service Recommendations

munsterfan2

Hi,

Regular independent mechanic doesnt seem to keen on servicing my Kona or Leaf. Can anyone recommend a good independent mechanic who is happy to service EV's. Nearer to Drogheda the better.

Thanks…

zg3409

There is an EV specialist north of swords. I would not recommend them as they seem anti EV and overcharge but if you can get a fixed price service then they may be ok

.

the_amazing_raisin

Assuming you just need a regular service then any garage should be able to do it. The electric components are sealed and generally don't need maintenance

My wife got her Leaf serviced at the local Fast fit, no issues

slave1

We had our Leaf serviced by main Midlands Nissan dealer, €77, have you tried all Nissans near you?

kirving

I think you'd be very well advised to go to a main dealer, especially for just €77. It just puts you in a much better position in future if you did have something go wrong. What is it, may 5 years old, and likely still under battery warranty?

munsterfan2

Thanks, will check local Nissan for price… leaf is 7 years old with 170k on it & Kona is 5 years old with 100k on it so neither have any warranty left.

the_amazing_raisin

What's the issue with the local mechanic that he won't service it? Does he realise it's a regular car service just without all the engine related bits

munsterfan2

Not sure, he just had no interest as was busy, muttered about ev's…

redlead

But sure what is an EV service other than checking brake pads and tyre wear? Tyres you can check yourself and you may aswell wait for the NCT for your pads which probably aren't that worn anyway.

munsterfan2

Even better, Hyundai give you a schedule https://www.hyundai.com.my/service/maintenance/Periodic-Maintenance-Service/download/2022-04/Kona-EV2-OS-EV.pdf

kirving

If this old article is to be believed, the Kona should still be in warranty for another few years. Not that it should need anything, but you'd hate for it to fail and then not be covered because Hyundai say a third party didn't follow their specs to the letter.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122603301#Comment_122603301

https://www.electricireland.ie/news/article/3-things-to-think-about-before-buying-an-electric-car

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122606659#Comment_122606659

Qualified mechanics need to do an extra separate course to work on EVs. This is offered to them at multiple places in Ireland. Many have not performed this training. Most basic thing is avoid 400 volt orange colour wires and how to safely disconnect the high voltage battery before working on the car. If working on live or open batteries there are special insulated tools and gloves etc. Most of the general service won't touch these but say battery coolant change may need special coolant and may go near the high voltage systems. Things like cabin heater are typically high voltage. All garages seem to have a 3 week back log these days.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122607510#Comment_122607510

Really? I would have thought they would only need to do that training to work on the HV components. They should just need basic safety training to avoid the electrical components for servicing

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122609918#Comment_122609918

I suppose most mechanics have zero training on electric vehicles. They only became common in last 5 years and most back street garages only see cars when they are out of warranty and a few years old. Main dealers may only have one trained person across a group of garages.

Here is an example of the course needed

https://tus.ie/courses/electric-vehicle-technology/