Electric Cars

Where’s the motor? What happens when you take your EV for a service

Published by
David Waterworth

The reaction to our story the other day about Doug, and his Hyundai Ioniq, and the $40 bill he was sent from his mechanic for “oil” for his EV, got me thinking.

So, as an experiment, I imagined that I had taken my Tesla Model 3 standard range plus to a regular garage, and asked for a service. Just to see what happens.

Here is the (imaginery) invoice:

Invoice number 00531

Dinosaurs’ Burner Garage, Bedrock

Car serviced by: Fredrick  Stoneflint –  chief Mechanic

Service – 60,000 km Tesla Model 3 SR + Licence plate EWE 420

  1. Carry out complete global diagnostic system (GDS) check
  2. Inspect battery terminals & condition – 12V

[Mechanic reports that there appears to be a larger battery to which he was unable to gain access, suggest that this be checked as a matter of urgency]

  1. Inspect disc brakes & pads

[Mechanic reports suspiciously little wear, discuss driving habits with customer]

  1. Inspect front suspension ball joints
  2. Inspect operation of lights, indicators, etc
  3. Fill up blinker fluid
  4. Inspect tyres including pressure & tread wear

[ Mechanic reports excessive wear on back tyres – possibly due to launch syndrome]

  1. Lube door, boot, bonnet hinges & latches and brake calipers
  2. Air-conditioner oil change
  3. Oil disposal charge as per environmental protection standards$40

Customer requests

  1. Unjam glovebox
  2. Inspect and adjust volume control -teenager reports unable to turn down the karaoke .

Urgent Action – Mechanic unable to find motor, exhaust, petrol tank and many other essential parts etc. These will need to be installed immediately to avoid voiding the warranty.

Total:  $180 – cash/credit/ Karaoke

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired teacher who divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He owns 50 shares of Tesla.

Recent Posts

Used Tesla Model 3 stock nearly at an all-time high

Used Tesla Model 3 stock across Australia rises as more buyers make the switch to…

March 28, 2024

RIP Volvo diesel cars: Last XC90 diesel rolls off production line

The last diesel-fuelled Volvo has rolled off the production line. Diesel cars accounted for most…

March 28, 2024

Genesis unveils electric SUV concept with swivel seats and no B-pillars

Luxury vehicle brand owned by Hyundai unveils two new concept vehicles, a first full-size electric…

March 28, 2024

Boys and their Tonka trucks: How fossil car companies sell highly polluting vehicles

Toxic marketing has caused Australia to become obsessed with overseas 4WDs, SUVs and overpowered utes?…

March 28, 2024

Will we make it? Canberra to the coast and back in a very short range Nissan Leaf EV

A new fast charger in Braidwood makes it possible to go from Canberra to the…

March 27, 2024

EVs are clearly less polluting than petrol cars, even when their grids are dirty

New research has again demonstrated that EVs have lower lifecycle emissions than internal combustion engine…

March 27, 2024