Servicing Guide · Updated June 2026 · By the Brad Ward Motors workshop team
Hybrids and EVs still need regular servicing, but the focus shifts: there are fewer oil-related jobs and no spark plugs on a pure EV, while brakes, tyres, cooling systems, cabin filters and software updates all still matter. The big difference is the high-voltage system, which demands the right training and certification to work on safely. At Brad Ward Motors in Henderson we fully service and repair hybrids, and we look after all the everyday running gear on a fully electric car, the brakes, tyres, suspension, WOF, diagnostics and 12-volt battery, while being upfront that the high-voltage drive battery and motor are best left to a specialist.
- EVs have no oil, spark plugs, cam belt or exhaust to service
- Hybrids still need their petrol engine serviced as normal
- Regenerative braking means brakes do less work but still need checking
- Tyres, cabin filters, wipers and the 12-volt battery still matter
- Battery and electronics cooling systems need checking over time
- High-voltage work needs proper training, we are upfront about the line
What is different
A pure EV has no engine oil, no spark plugs, no cam belt and no exhaust, so a lot of traditional service items simply do not apply. Hybrids still have a petrol engine that needs oil changes and the usual engine care, but they run it less, so wear is spread differently.
Regenerative braking is another key difference. Both hybrids and EVs slow partly by using the motor to recharge the battery, which means the friction brakes do less work and pads can last longer. The flip side is that lightly used brakes can seize or corrode, so they still need inspecting and servicing rather than being assumed fine.
What still needs doing
Plenty carries over from a normal service. Tyres still wear and need rotating and checking, often a bit faster because hybrids and EVs are heavier and have strong instant torque. Brakes need inspecting and cleaning even though they do less work. Cabin air filters, wiper blades, washer fluid and the 12-volt battery all still need attention.
These vehicles also have cooling systems for the battery and power electronics that need checking and, in time, coolant servicing. Hybrids of course still need their petrol engine serviced. And like any modern car they get a WOF, which a hybrid or EV must pass the same as any other vehicle, so the safety checks all still apply.
Safety and training
The high-voltage battery and cabling in a hybrid or EV can carry several hundred volts, which is potentially lethal and must be treated with respect. Working on or near the high-voltage system requires the right training, tools and shut-down procedures, and it is not something to attempt as a home job.
The sensible approach is to have the routine servicing, the parts that are safe and standard, done as normal, while anything involving the high-voltage system or the traction battery itself is handled by someone with the right qualifications. We are upfront about where that line sits for your vehicle, and we will tell you honestly when a job is better suited to a marque or EV specialist.
Servicing your hybrid or EV with us
Hybrids are everyday cars now, think of the many Aqua, Prius and similar models around West Auckland, and most of what they need is well within standard workshop work, so we service and repair them in full: servicing, brakes, tyres, WOF, diagnostics and the 12-volt battery. For a fully electric car we keep all that everyday running gear sorted too, and point you to a specialist for the high-voltage drive battery or motor.
Bring yours to our Moselle Ave workshop and we will look after the servicing it needs, give you a quote first, and call before any extra work so there are no surprises. Our work is backed by a 12-month workmanship warranty, courtesy cars are available on request, and we can prepare a written quote for WINZ if you need one. If anything is better handled by a specialist, we will tell you straight.
Talk to a real Henderson mechanic
Quotes, no surprises, all makes and models. MTA approved, 35+ years on Moselle Ave.