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 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 authentic or simply one other method for sellers to pad their pockets. What he uncovered sparked a energetic 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 providers listed, so my preliminary response is that this may be pointless work aimed toward producing additional income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it executed, however I’m on the lookout for recommendation from educated people on whether or not this service is really needed. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is smart. Electrical automobiles are extensively recognized for his or her simplified upkeep in comparison with conventional gas-powered automobiles, which usually require fluid adjustments in switch circumstances and differentials at common intervals. Kia’s personal guide would 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 publish 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 have got 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 crimson, so though it most likely wasn’t needed, I went forward and altered the rear because it was fast and cheap.”

Brian highlights an essential 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 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 might inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated supplier software program and methods typically battle with trendy 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 have been to name them, the service supervisor would most definitely inform you to ignore the reminder as soon as they understand it isn’t an inner combustion engine car. Strive 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 essential 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?

For my part, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to recommend additional providers, it would not mechanically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership doubtless utilized upkeep logic suited to inner combustion automobiles 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 mentioned, in the event you ceaselessly drive your EV aggressively, tow often, 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 situations, 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. In contrast to gasoline-powered automobiles, EVs simplify mechanical elements 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, often thought of “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 situations 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 lined 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 pissed off proprietor whose 11,500-mile EV6 would not begin, elevating questions on supplier 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 steadiness 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 sudden upkeep strategies. Cross-referencing suggestions together with your official proprietor’s guide, in search of second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving situations can shield you from pointless bills or stress. Keep in mind, supplier methods and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical automobiles. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t at all times needed; training and consciousness are your greatest instruments.

Mike’s story is a wonderful reminder that EV homeowners’ experiences with dealerships range extensively, and shared insights can profit your complete neighborhood. 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 automobiles?
• Do you imagine dealerships require higher coaching or up to date expertise to precisely advise electrical car homeowners?

Let’s proceed this essential 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.