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 automobile’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 really useful a “switch case service” and “rear differential fluid service.” Confused and suspicious, Mike puzzled if this was reliable or simply one other method 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 House owners USA Fb group, hoping for readability: “I’m at roughly 60,000 miles on my 2022 Kia EV6 Wind AWD, and our native dealership lately 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 is likely to 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 searching for recommendation from educated people on whether or not this service is really mandatory. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is smart. Electrical autos are broadly recognized for his or her simplified upkeep in comparison with conventional gas-powered vehicles, which generally require fluid modifications in switch circumstances and differentials at common intervals. Kia’s personal handbook 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 submit rapidly stuffed with views from different EV6 homeowners, every bringing helpful insights.

Brian jumped in first, offering technical readability and private expertise: “These are generic phrases; what you could have is entrance and rear gear discount oil. I lately 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 mandatory, I went forward and adjusted 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 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 automobile in three years in the past. Some habits die exhausting, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships might inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated seller software program and techniques generally wrestle 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. For those who had been to name them, the service supervisor would probably inform you 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, except they’re recommending a full blinker fluid alternate! Know-how is nice, nevertheless 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 counsel further companies, it would not mechanically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership seemingly utilized upkeep logic fitted to inner combustion autos to his EV6. In case your car is not exhibiting efficiency points, sticking carefully to Kia’s really useful upkeep schedule might be your most secure guess. That stated, in case you steadily drive your EV aggressively, tow often, or function in extreme climates, it wouldn’t harm to have your gear discount oils checked proactively. In the end, 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 concern, conventional dealerships are nonetheless transitioning to the electrical future. Not like gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs simplify mechanical parts considerably. The Kia EV6 would not have a standard switch case or conventional differentials. As a substitute, it makes use of less complicated gear discount items, normally thought of “sealed for all times,” requiring minimal upkeep.

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

Diversified Proprietor Experiences with Kia EV6

Proprietor tales I’ve coated reveal that dealership confusion and inconsistent recommendation aren’t remoted occasions. For instance, take into account 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 pissed off proprietor whose 11,500-mile EV6 would not begin, elevating questions on seller 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 helpful lesson: EV homeowners ought to keep a wholesome skepticism when receiving surprising upkeep strategies. Cross-referencing suggestions together with your official proprietor’s handbook, in search of second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving circumstances can shield you from pointless bills or stress. Bear in mind, seller techniques and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical autos. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t at all times mandatory; training and consciousness are your greatest instruments.

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

• Have you ever acquired questionable upkeep strategies 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 business. Comply with Narek on X for day by day information protection about vehicles.

Picture supply: Grok.