I Was Instructed 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 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 really useful a “switch case service” and “rear differential fluid service.” Confused and suspicious, Mike questioned if this was respectable or simply one other means 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 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 companies listed, so my preliminary response is that this is likely to be pointless work aimed toward producing additional income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it achieved, however I’m in search of recommendation from educated people on whether or not this service is really needed. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is sensible. Electrical autos are broadly identified 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 does 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 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’ve got is entrance and rear gear discount oil. I just 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 crimson, so though it most likely wasn’t needed, I went forward and adjusted the rear because it was fast and cheap.”

Brian highlights an essential level: dealerships usually 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 automotive in three years in the past. Some habits die onerous, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships could inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated seller software program and programs generally 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. In case you have been to name them, the service supervisor would more than likely inform you to ignore the reminder as soon as they notice it is not an inner combustion engine automobile. Attempt to not view each little hiccup as a rip-off, until they’re recommending a full blinker fluid alternate! Know-how is nice, however it’s nonetheless constructed and managed by people.”

Mark N.’s recommendation underscores an essential 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?

In my view, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to counsel additional companies, it does not mechanically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s state of affairs, the dealership possible utilized upkeep logic suited to inner combustion autos to his EV6. In case your automobile is not exhibiting efficiency points, sticking carefully to Kia’s really useful upkeep schedule might be your most secure guess. That stated, when you steadily drive your EV aggressively, tow usually, 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 state of affairs displays a broader difficulty, conventional dealerships are nonetheless transitioning to the electrical future. In contrast to gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs simplify mechanical elements 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 items, often thought of “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 beneath demanding situations like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, widespread 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 data and preparedness concerning 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, looking for second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving situations can shield you from pointless bills or stress. Bear in mind, seller programs and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical autos. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t all the time needed; training and consciousness are your greatest instruments.

Mike’s story is a superb reminder that EV homeowners’ 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 acquired questionable upkeep options out of your dealership concerning your EV6 or different electrical autos?
• Do you imagine dealerships require higher coaching or up to date expertise to precisely advise electrical automobile homeowners?

Let’s proceed this essential 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. Observe Narek on X for day by day information protection about vehicles.

Picture supply: Grok.