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 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 questioned if this was official or simply one other manner for sellers to pad their pockets. What he uncovered sparked a energetic debate amongst EV6 house owners, 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 just 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 providers listed, so my preliminary response is that this could be pointless work geared toward producing additional income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it achieved, however I’m searching for recommendation from educated of us on whether or not this service is really crucial. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is sensible. Electrical autos 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 does not even point out these providers for the EV6, elevating questions on why the dealership was suggesting it.

Opinions from the EV6 Group

The dialog round Mike’s put up rapidly 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 may have is entrance and rear gear discount oil. I just lately checked each on my EV6 and determined to alter solely the rear at 48,000 miles. The rear fluid was noticeably darkish whereas the entrance was nonetheless pink, 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 vital 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 would possibly nonetheless present peace of thoughts below 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 automobile in three years in the past. Some habits die laborious, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships could inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated vendor software program and programs typically battle with fashionable 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. For those who had been to name them, the service supervisor would almost certainly let you know to ignore the reminder as soon as they notice it isn’t an inside combustion engine automobile. Attempt to not view each little hiccup as a rip-off, except they’re recommending a full blinker fluid trade! Expertise is nice, however it’s nonetheless constructed and managed by people.”

Mark N.’s recommendation underscores an vital 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 additional providers, it does not robotically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership doubtless utilized upkeep logic suited to inside combustion autos to his EV6. In case your automobile is not exhibiting efficiency points, sticking intently to Kia’s really useful upkeep schedule might be your most secure guess. That stated, in the event you often drive your EV aggressively, tow frequently, 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 situations, 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 does 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 does not specify altering these fluids at 60,000 miles, some mechanics nonetheless advocate periodic checks, particularly below demanding situations like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, frequent with efficiency fashions such because the 585-horsepower Kia EV6 GT.

Different Proprietor Experiences with Kia EV6

Proprietor tales I’ve coated 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 vendor information 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 steadiness 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 keep a wholesome skepticism when receiving surprising upkeep strategies. Cross-referencing suggestions along with your official proprietor’s guide, in search of second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving situations can defend you from pointless bills or stress. Keep in mind, vendor programs and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical autos. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t all the time crucial; training and consciousness are your greatest instruments.

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

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

Let’s proceed this vital 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 business. Comply with Narek on X for each day information protection about automobiles.

Picture supply: Grok.