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

Think about getting an electronic 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 questioned if this was respectable or simply one other approach for sellers to pad their pockets. What he uncovered sparked a full of life debate amongst EV6 homeowners, 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 providers listed, so my preliminary response is that this is perhaps pointless work geared toward producing further income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it performed, however I’m searching for recommendation from educated people on whether or not this service is really obligatory. Thanks.”

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

Opinions from the EV6 Neighborhood

The dialog round Mike’s put up rapidly crammed with views from different EV6 homeowners, every bringing precious insights.

Brian jumped in first, offering technical readability and private expertise: “These are generic phrases; what you might have 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 crimson, so though it in all probability wasn’t obligatory, I went forward and altered the rear because it was fast and cheap.”

Brian highlights an necessary level: dealerships typically use outdated or generic language derived from conventional ICE autos.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

Mark shared an amusing anecdote that 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 exhausting, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships could inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated vendor software program and methods typically battle with fashionable EV upkeep schedules.

Mark N. supplied one other reassuring perspective: “It sounds just like the dealership is utilizing a contact administration system that doesn’t acknowledge your car as an EV. In the event you have been to name them, the service supervisor would almost certainly let you know to ignore the reminder as soon as they notice it is not an inner combustion engine car. Attempt to not view each little hiccup as a rip-off, until they’re recommending a full blinker fluid trade! Know-how 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 autos.

My Opinion: Ought to You Get This Service?

For my part, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to recommend further providers, it would not routinely imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership probably utilized upkeep logic fitted to inner combustion autos to his EV6. In case your car is not exhibiting efficiency points, sticking intently to Kia’s beneficial upkeep schedule might be your most secure wager. That stated, if you happen to incessantly drive your EV aggressively, tow commonly, or function in extreme climates, it wouldn’t harm to have your gear discount oils checked proactively. Finally, being an knowledgeable and proactive proprietor, conscious of your particular driving circumstances, can prevent each cash and complications in the long term.

The Actuality of EV Upkeep and Dealerships

This situation displays a broader subject, 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 items, often 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 advocate periodic checks, particularly beneath demanding circumstances like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, widespread with efficiency fashions such because the 585-horsepower Kia EV6 GT.

Various Proprietor Experiences with Kia EV6

Proprietor tales I’ve coated reveal that dealership confusion and inconsistent recommendation aren’t remoted occasions. For instance, think about 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 vendor information and preparedness relating to EV expertise.

But, regardless of occasional dealership mishaps, many EV6 homeowners 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 homeowners ought to preserve a wholesome skepticism when receiving surprising upkeep options. Cross-referencing suggestions along with your official proprietor’s handbook, searching for second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving circumstances can defend you from pointless bills or stress. Keep in mind, vendor methods and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical autos. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t all the time obligatory; schooling and consciousness are your finest instruments.

Mike’s story is a wonderful reminder that EV homeowners’ experiences with dealerships fluctuate extensively, and shared insights can profit all the neighborhood. I invite you to contribute to this ongoing dialog:

• Have you ever acquired questionable upkeep options out of your dealership relating to your EV6 or different electrical autos?
• Do you imagine dealerships require higher coaching or up to date expertise to precisely advise electrical car homeowners?

Let’s proceed this necessary dialogue within the feedback, your experiences may 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. Observe Narek on X for every day information protection about automobiles.

Picture supply: Grok.