I Was Advised My Kia EV6 Wants Switch Case and Diff Service at 60K Miles, however It’s Not within the Guide

Think about getting an e mail out of your dealership recommending a service that does not even seem in your automotive’s official upkeep schedule. That is precisely what occurred to Mike Doornbos, proprietor of a 2022 Kia EV6 Wind AWD. At 60,000 miles, his dealership beneficial a “switch case service” and “rear differential fluid service.” Confused and suspicious, Mike puzzled if this was respectable or simply one other method for sellers to pad their pockets. What he uncovered sparked a full of life debate amongst EV6 house owners, and revealed one thing each EV proprietor ought to know.

Mike shared his puzzling expertise within the Kia EV6 Homeowners USA Fb group, hoping for readability: “I’m at roughly 60,000 miles on my 2022 Kia EV6 Wind AWD, and our native dealership not too long ago emailed me recommending a ‘switch case service’ and ‘rear differential fluid service.’ I reviewed Kia’s official scheduled upkeep information and didn’t discover both of those companies listed, so my preliminary response is that this could be pointless work geared toward producing further income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it finished, however I’m on the lookout for recommendation from educated of us on whether or not this service is really crucial. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is sensible. Electrical automobiles are broadly identified for his or her simplified upkeep in comparison with conventional gas-powered automobiles, which generally require fluid adjustments in switch circumstances and differentials at common intervals. Kia’s personal guide would not even point out these companies for the EV6, elevating questions on why the dealership was suggesting it.

Opinions from the EV6 Neighborhood

The dialog round Mike’s put up shortly stuffed with views from different EV6 house owners, every bringing precious insights.

Brian jumped in first, offering technical readability and private expertise: “These are generic phrases; what you’ve is entrance and rear gear discount oil. I not too long ago checked each on my EV6 and determined to vary solely the rear at 48,000 miles. The rear fluid was noticeably darkish whereas the entrance was nonetheless purple, so though it in all probability wasn’t crucial, I went forward and adjusted the rear because it was fast and cheap.”

Brian highlights an necessary level: dealerships usually use outdated or generic language derived from conventional ICE automobiles. He demonstrates that whereas altering the gear discount oil is not explicitly required by Kia, doing so would possibly nonetheless present peace of thoughts below sure circumstances.

Mark shared an amusing anecdote which may clarify some dealership quirks: “I used to get oil change warnings on my VW e-Golf, which was each amusing and mildly irritating. Even now, I nonetheless obtain reminder postcards from the dealership saying it’s time for an oil change, regardless of having traded the automotive in three years in the past. Some habits die arduous, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships could inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated supplier software program and techniques generally battle with trendy EV upkeep schedules.

Mark N. provided one other reassuring perspective: “It sounds just like the dealership is utilizing a contact administration system that doesn’t acknowledge your automobile as an EV. Should you have been to name them, the service supervisor would most certainly inform you to ignore the reminder as soon as they understand it is not an inside combustion engine automobile. Attempt to not view each little hiccup as a rip-off, except they’re recommending a full blinker fluid alternate! Expertise is nice, however it’s nonetheless constructed and managed by people.”

Mark N.’s recommendation underscores an necessary lesson: dealerships, like everybody else, could make harmless errors, particularly when adapting to newer applied sciences like electrical automobiles.

My Opinion: Ought to You Get This Service?

In my view, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to recommend further companies, it would not robotically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership probably utilized upkeep logic fitted to inside combustion automobiles to his EV6. In case your automobile is not exhibiting efficiency points, sticking carefully to Kia’s beneficial upkeep schedule might be your most secure wager. That mentioned, when you continuously drive your EV aggressively, tow repeatedly, or function in extreme climates, it wouldn’t damage to have your gear discount oils checked proactively. Finally, being an knowledgeable and proactive proprietor, conscious of your particular driving situations, can prevent each cash and complications in the long term.

The Actuality of EV Upkeep and Dealerships

This situation displays a broader difficulty, conventional dealerships are nonetheless transitioning to the electrical future. Not like gasoline-powered automobiles, EVs simplify mechanical parts considerably. The Kia EV6 would not have a standard switch case or conventional differentials. As an alternative, it makes use of less complicated gear discount models, normally thought-about “sealed for all times,” requiring minimal upkeep.

Apparently, whereas Kia would not specify altering these fluids at 60,000 miles, some mechanics nonetheless suggest periodic checks, particularly below demanding situations like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, widespread with efficiency fashions such because the 585-horsepower Kia EV6 GT.

Different Proprietor Experiences with Kia EV6

Proprietor tales I’ve lined reveal that dealership confusion and inconsistent recommendation aren’t remoted occasions. For instance, contemplate the story of an EV6 proprietor experiencing a number of battery replacements at simply 4,500 miles, highlighting a sample of dealership miscommunication. One other incident concerned a annoyed proprietor whose 11,500-mile EV6 would not begin, elevating questions on supplier data and preparedness relating to EV know-how.

But, regardless of occasional dealership mishaps, many EV6 house owners rave about their experiences. One driver proudly described his EV6 as virtually flawless after eight months, whereas one other new EV purchaser detailed the stability between enjoyment and minor annoyances of the EV6.

Ethical of the Story

Mike’s dealership confusion holds a precious lesson: EV house owners ought to preserve a wholesome skepticism when receiving surprising upkeep ideas. Cross-referencing suggestions along with your official proprietor’s guide, searching for second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving situations can shield you from pointless bills or stress. Bear in mind, supplier techniques and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical automobiles. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t all the time crucial; training and consciousness are your finest instruments.

Mike’s story is a wonderful reminder that EV house owners’ experiences with dealerships differ broadly, and shared insights can profit your entire group. I invite you to contribute to this ongoing dialog:

• Have you ever obtained questionable upkeep ideas out of your dealership relating to your EV6 or different electrical automobiles?
• Do you imagine dealerships require higher coaching or up to date know-how to precisely advise electrical automobile house owners?

Let’s proceed this necessary dialogue within the feedback, your experiences would possibly simply assist one other EV proprietor navigate their subsequent dealership go to.

Narek Hareyan is a younger automotive journalist with expertise in a golf cart dealership and an curiosity within the automotive trade. Comply with Narek on X for each day information protection about automobiles.

Picture supply: Grok.