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A1, German Car & BMW Bike Specialists

German Car & Bike Specialists

Independent BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW Service and Parts Centre in Stevenage

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

EV & Hybrid Vehicle Repair & Servicing

The use of electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing, as is the requirement for repair and maintenance with fully electric cars such as BMW, Audi and Telsa.

Repairing PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) is very different from repairing regular vehicles due to the added element of high-voltage electricity. Voltages can be as high as 700 volts, and accidental contact with parts at these voltages can be fatal. Therefore, specialist tools and equipment are required to work safely, together with manufacturer training and skilled staff. At A1, we have certified hybrid technicians who can work on your vehicle. This is good news because many think hybrid cars can only be repaired at a main dealer. This is wrong; independent specialists like us who have the relevant certification can work on your vehicle - usually at a fraction of the cost of the main dealer.

EV Vehicle repairs and servicing

Don’t be fooled into thinking that hybrid means main dealer only; we can carry out any work on your planet-friendly vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles

Common EV repairs include tyre repairs, brake fluid service, coolant service, brake service, battery care, windscreen wipers, pollen filters and MOT test after 3 years.

Tyre repairs for Hybrid / EVs

Regrettably, owning an Electric Vehicle won't result in any savings on your tyres. You'll still need to perform regular checks to ensure proper tyre pressure, tread condition, and the absence of unwelcome lumps, tears, or punctures.

Brake fluid servicing

You may be thinking that you’re sure Electric Vehicles use regenerative braking, and while that is true, they still have brake pads and discs. Regenerative braking is used mostly; however, the traditional friction brakes take over towards the end of a braking period. In emergency braking situations, only the friction brakes will be used, and brake fluid is required to engage the brakes.

A brake fluid service ensures that your brake fluid is clean and uncontaminated. Contaminated brake fluid will drastically reduce braking efficiency, and most manufacturers recommend having this service done every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

This will improve your braking distance and performance; at worst, leaving your brake fluid unchecked will cause brake failure.

Coolant Service

Given the high operating temperatures your battery reaches, it's vital to have sufficient coolant to prevent overheating. Different manufacturers recommend varying coolant system flush intervals, which you can find in your manual. If you're unsure, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Brake Service

This is different from a Brake Fluid Service. While regenerative braking helps slow down your electric vehicle and recharge the battery, your brake pads and discs will still experience wear over time. Although the wear won't be as rapid as in non-electric cars, they still require periodic inspection.

Battery Care

The car's battery is its most expensive and crucial component, demanding utmost care. While EV batteries use a different technology from those in phones or laptops, they may experience issues like battery degradation. Regular servicing allows our experts to ensure the battery remains in optimal condition.

Miscellaneous including Wipers, Pollen Filters

Routine wear and tear items like windscreen wipers, pollen filters, and air-con re-gassing will inevitably require replacement. We can assist with these quick and easy fixes. For any advice, don't hesitate to contact us!

MOT Tests for Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles

All vehicles on UK roads, including electric vehicles, need an annual MOT test. For brand-new cars, the MOT test starts after the 3rd anniversary of the registration date. The good news is that emissions testing is not required for EVs, and the chances of repairs are minimal due to their more straightforward construction with fewer parts.