Owning an EV doesn’t mean endless trips to the workshop — many routine checks and small maintenance tasks are safely handled at home. But high-voltage systems and battery issues are not DIY projects. This guide explains everyday EV maintenance that owners can perform themselves, the tasks that should always go to qualified technicians, and sensible routines that keep your EV reliable and warranty-safe in Australia’s varied climates.
Table of Contents
- Daily and weekly checks you can do yourself
- Cleaning and connector care (what to do and how)
- Charging equipment care and storage tips
- Cabin and HVAC maintenance the owner can handle
- What you must never attempt (leave to qualified technicians)
- Recommended service intervals & record-keeping
- Emergency toolbox and roadside basics
- FAQs
1. Daily and weekly checks you can do yourself
Simple visual checks take 2–5 minutes and prevent many headaches:
- Tyre pressure and condition: Check pressures cold, use the pressure recommended in your door sill or owner’s manual; inspect for cuts, embedded objects and uneven wear. Tyre pressure changes more in hot vs cold conditions — essential in Australia’s climate swings.
- Lights and indicators: Confirm headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators work before every trip. Replace bulbs per manual guidance.
- Windshield and wipers: Clear visibility is a safety must—inspect wiper blades for wear and top up washer fluid.
- Exterior leaks and odd smells: Look under the car for fluids (rare in EVs) and inside for unusual odours (electrical smells require immediate stopping and professional inspection).
These low-effort checks reduce the chance of breakdowns and spot early wear.
2. Cleaning and connector care (what to do and how)
- Charging port & connectors: Keep dust and grit away from ports. Clean the port and plug faces gently with a dry lint-free cloth. If connectors get wet from rain or sea spray, wipe them dry before use. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Exterior washing: Regularly rinse off salt in coastal areas (including underbody rinses), and remove red dust or mud promptly after outback trips. Corrosion impacts connectors and fixings over time.
- Interior cleaning: Use rubber mats and washable liners if you regularly carry beach or muddy gear. Salt and sand abrade trim and can clog drains.
Never try to force a connector if it won’t latch — inspect and dry it first.
3. Charging equipment care and storage tips
- Portable cables: Coil cables loosely — don’t kink or tightly wrap them. Store indoors if possible to protect the electronics from sun and salt.
- Wallbox maintenance: Keep the unit free of dust, ensure ventilation isn’t blocked and update firmware if the vendor supplies updates. Schedule annual safety inspections via a licensed electrician.
- Cable locks & security: Use cable locks or a wall-mounted rack to deter theft and reduce accidental damage.
- Weather protection: If charging points are outdoors, a simple shelter keeps connectors cooler and reduces weather exposure.
Poor cable storage and rough handling are common reasons owners need paid replacement cables.
4. Cabin and HVAC maintenance the owner can handle
- Cabin filters: Replace or clean cabin pollen and particulate filters per the manufacturer’s schedule, especially after smoke or dust events. Clean filters preserve HVAC efficiency and air quality.
- Pre-conditioning: Use pre-conditioning while plugged in to heat or cool the cabin and battery — saves range and reduces stress on the battery at departure.
- Infotainment and apps: Keep apps and infotainment settings tidy; know how to force-close and restart apps. Routine reboots sometimes clear odd software behavior.
Maintaining good cabin air filtration is especially important in bushfire-prone seasons.
5. What you must never attempt (leave to qualified technicians)
- High-voltage battery work: Do not open battery enclosures, attempt cell repairs, or bypass safety interlocks. These are lethal-risk tasks and require HV training.
- Work on inverters, traction motors or HV cabling: Even visual tampering is dangerous.
- Any HV diagnostics without training: Only trained and accredited technicians with the correct PPE and tools should touch these systems.
- DIY battery replacement or module swaps: This voids warranties and creates serious safety and environmental risks.
If in doubt, stop and call roadside assistance or your dealer.
6. Recommended service intervals & record-keeping
- Follow the manual: Service intervals from the manufacturer are the single best guide. EVs typically require less frequent mechanical service, but some items still need regular checks (coolant systems, brakes, 12V battery).
- Keep receipts and service logs: Essential for warranty claims and resale value. Note any software updates performed by the dealer — they matter.
- Annual electrical safety check for home chargers: Especially important where households use older switchboards or have added significant electrical load.
Good records protect you and simplify claim processes.
7. Emergency toolbox and roadside basics
- Portable tyre inflator and pressure gauge (12V or cordless)
- Basic hand tools (socket set, adjustable spanner) for trivial things like loose tow eye covers
- Flashlight and high-vis vest for night-time stops
- Portable power bank for phone and RFID cards (so you can access apps at remote chargers)
- Contact numbers for roadside assistance and local dealers stored offline
For regional trips, add a portable DC/AC power station and extra drinking water.
FAQs
Q: Can I change a flat tyre on an EV myself?
A: Yes—if your vehicle is designed for roadside tyre changes and you’re confident. Follow the car’s jack points in the manual and observe weight limits. For heavy EVs consider calling roadside assistance — jacking and wheel change is physically demanding.
Q: How often should I check tyre pressure?
A: Check weekly or before any long trip; temperature swings in Australia can change pressure noticeably.
Q: Is cleaning the charging port important?
A: Yes — keep the port free from grit, sand and salt. Clean gently and never insert foreign objects.
Conclusion
Most everyday EV maintenance is simple, safe and DIY-friendly: tyre checks, lights, port cleaning, cabin filters and careful charging-cable storage. Anything involving high-voltage systems, battery packs or HV cabling must be left to trained technicians. Keep records, do routine inspections especially after harsh weather or remote travel, and your EV will reward you with reliable, low-stress ownership across Australia’s diverse conditions.
Meta description: Learn what EV maintenance you can safely do at home in Australia — tyre checks, charging-cable care, cabin filters — and what high-voltage work must be left to pros.