Electric Cars and Oil Changes: Find Out If They Need It?

While there’s still a lot we need to do to ensure a greener planet, we are definitely making the much-needed changes slowly. One such is sustainable transportation and this is where electric cars come into the picture. As more and more people are choosing to opt for electric cars, there are many questions that come to mind before getting one. One of the most important is, “Do electric cars need oil changes?” Considering that traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars do require regular oil change for proper and smooth functioning, this is but a valid question to ask.

Further into the article, we will shed light on whether electric cars require oil changes, we will also talk about the different car types available and their maintenance, we will provide tips for electric car owners and more.

Table of contents

• Understanding the Various Car Types and How Are They Different
• Delving Deeper into Electric Cars Further
• The Future of Electric Car Maintenance with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Understanding the Various Car Types and How Are They Different

Let’s take a look at the different car types available, the oil change requirements and maintenance procedures.

Gasoline-powered Cars

Let’s understand gasoline-powered cars.

What are gasoline-powered cars:

These are traditional cars that have been around for years. They precisely operate using an internal combustion engine (ICE) that provides power by burning up gasoline. The important parts of these vehicles particularly include the transmission, engine and exhaust systems. For gasoline-powered vehicles to function efficiently and smoothly, oil is extremely essential. Regularly you need oil changes so that the parts are well lubricated, reducing friction and overheating, thereby, resulting in the proper functioning and longevity of the car.

Oil change requirements:

For gasoline-powered cars, oil changes are much-needed, without which they won’t last longer. The engine oil helps keep the moving parts of the vehicle lubricated, prevents overheating and reduces any sort of wear. Oil changes have to be done as per the need of the vehicle, depending on how much you use your car on a regular basis and the road conditions in which you drive it. Therefore, in order to make sure that your car is functioning and performing well, regular oil changes are significant.

Whether you’re someone who does the oil change at home or someone who takes the car to an auto repair shop, having the correct tools and equipment is imperative. You would need an oil drain pan or an oil drain tank to perform oil changes. They come in various sizes, from as small as a 5 gallon oil drain pan to as large as a 20 gallon oil drain pan, you can choose from the many available on the market today. It’s extremely essential to have this equipment so that there are no spills and leaks in and around your workspace.

Maintenance procedures:

Maintaining a gasoline-powered car is extremely important. You can’t keep driving it for months on end and not have it checked. Doing so will not only result in reduced longevity of your car but also potential mishaps that could be fatal. Hence, you have to make sure to check your car. Regularly perform oil changes, check the tire pressure and liquid levels, replace oil filters when needed, and inspect spark plugs, brakes and exhaust systems. This is necessary so that the engine can run smoothly. If you’re someone who is not so familiar with car maintenance, then make sure that you take it to a professional mechanic for regular maintenance, however, it’s good to know how to check for at least the basics.

Electric Cars

Let’s understand electric cars.

What are electric cars:

Unlike traditional cars that are operated by an internal combustion engine that is powered by burning up gasoline, electric cars on the other hand use electric motors. So basically they are run by electricity stored in batteries. The important parts of these electric cars include an electric motor, inverter and batteries.

Oil change requirements:

Now coming to the question that we have been waiting to answer. Do electric cars need oil changes? Well, the answer is ‘No’ they do not require any oil changes at all. The simple reason is that they do not have any internal combustion engines, they run on electric motors and hence, no oil changes are needed.

Maintenance procedures:

Electric cars might not need oil changes, however, it does need various other maintenance. It needs regular battery checks to ensure the proper functioning of cars since it is the most important part of an electric car. You have to check if it’s charged regularly and ensure that you are following manufacturer recommendations to ensure it lasts you long enough. You need to check the brakes and the cooling system for its efficient running. Besides, you have to ensure that the software is being updated when needed. Generally, the maintenance cost of electric cars is lesser in comparison to ICE cars because they have fewer moving parts.

Also, some systems in electric cars are completely sealed, which means that they might need little or no maintenance at all, saving you from some hassle that comes with maintaining a car.

Hybrid Cars

Let’s understand hybrid cars.

What are hybrid cars:

As the name suggests, hybrid cars are powered by both electricity and gasoline, which means that these cars have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Because they function on both, either one or both can be used in tandem, maximizing the efficiency of the car. Besides, an electric motor and an ICE, other important parts include the battery pack and a power-split device.

Oil change requirements:

Since hybrid cars have both an ICE and electric motor, it is but obvious that they require oil changes, however, the frequency at which this needs to be done is way lower than a car with just the internal combustion engine. The electric motor contributes greatly in helping the internal combustion engine function smoothly, thereby, reducing the overall load and engine wear.

For oil changes, you will have to use an oil drain pan to avoid spills as you would do for a traditional car and additionally, you will have to check and maintain the inverter, battery and electric motor as needed.

Maintenance procedures:

Having been run on both gasoline and electricity means that these hybrid cars need to be maintained as per the standards of both an ICE car and an electric car. Therefore, regular oil changes are essential and checking the brakes, electric motor, and battery is equally important for the car to run smoothly and efficiently.

Delving Deeper into Electric Cars Further

Let’s take a deeper look into electric cars and their functioning.

The Mechanics of Electric Cars

From what we have understood by now, the working of electric cars is technically different from a traditional car. While a traditional car has an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric car has an electric motor. Hence, traditional cars are gasoline-powered and electric cars utilize a rechargeable battery pack to store the electrical energy needed to run the engine.

The battery pack of an electric car is usually made up of lithium-ion cells that provide the electric energy for the functioning of the car. This energy provided by the batteries is then converted into a suitable current by the inverter which is subsequently delivered to the electric motor that drives the wheels.

Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?

The simple answer is NO. Electric cars do not need oil changes. As mentioned, they do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) like a traditional car, rather they have an electric motor that helps in its functioning.

A traditional car has cylinders, pistons and various other parts that require lubrication for its smooth and efficient operation, while electric cars have fewer moving parts, hence, they do not require lubrication for it to run efficiently. Basically, it’s the fundamental design difference that negates the need for oil changes for electric cars.

Lubrication in Electric Cars

While electric cars might not use engine oil due to the absence of the ICE, it does require some other fluids for certain parts.

• The transmissions in electric cars require specialized liquids unlike the ones used in ICE cars.
• Electric motors and batteries need coolants for temperature control and efficient performance.
• Brake fluid is needed for the smooth and efficient functioning of brakes.

The Future of Electric Car Maintenance with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI's predictive capability is revolutionizing electric car maintenance. AI-driven systems anticipate EV component failures before they happen, allowing for preventive maintenance. It prevents unplanned breakdowns and the requirement for replacement components. Additionally, it lessens the impact of repairs on the environment and increases safety.

The Impact of Electric Cars on the Environment

Here’s how electric cars can impact the environment.

I. Production of Harmful Pollutants is Eliminated:

Beneficial to the environment as it doesn’t produce harmful pollutants, thereby, reducing air pollution and carbon footprint.

II.Waste Oil Generation is Reduced:

No oil changes mean no generation of hazardous motor oil waste, hence, contributing to the reduction of marine pollution as well as agricultural and ecosystem damage.

III.Sustainability is Supported:

Greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use are reduced in electric cars, which helps to achieve sustainability goals.

Benefits of Owning Electric Cars

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of owning an electric car below.

• Environment-friendly as it does not produce any harmful pollutants
• Lower long-term maintenance costs.
• Zero spend on fuel as it runs on electricity which is cheaper.
• Is noise-free as the motor runs quietly.
• Comes with the latest tech features.

Few Tips for Electric Car Owners

• Regularly monitor the parts of your electric car, from the battery to the brakes to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
• Make sure your software is updated as and when needed to ensure efficient performance of your vehicle.
• Do minor maintenance tasks such as checking the pressure of the tire or replacing wiper blades. This way you will be able to save up on some bucks.
• Complex maintenance tasks should always be done by a professional.
• Always take your car to professionals or service centers that are licensed, trained and equipped to handle electric vehicles.

Electric cars are a responsible option to choose from as they come with a lot of benefits – precisely less harm to the environment, no oil changes, less maintenance cost, no noise, and more. However, remember that electric cars do need to be maintained specifically - like any other car - for smooth and efficient operation.