I Was Instructed 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 manner 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 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 could be pointless work aimed toward producing additional income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it accomplished, however I’m in search of recommendation from educated of us on whether or not this service is actually needed. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is smart. Electrical automobiles are extensively recognized for his or her simplified upkeep in comparison with conventional gas-powered vehicles, which generally require fluid adjustments 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 Group

The dialog round Mike’s submit rapidly full of views from different EV6 homeowners, every bringing invaluable insights.

Brian jumped in first, offering technical readability and private expertise: “These are generic phrases; what you’ve 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 pink, 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 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 below 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 could inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated seller software program and techniques typically wrestle 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 automobile as an EV. If you happen to had been to name them, the service supervisor would almost definitely inform you to ignore the reminder as soon as they notice it is not an inside combustion engine automobile. Attempt to not view each little hiccup as a rip-off, until they’re recommending a full blinker fluid alternate! Expertise is nice, nevertheless 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?

In my view, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to recommend additional companies, it would not robotically imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s situation, the dealership probably utilized upkeep logic fitted to inside combustion automobiles 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, for those who regularly drive your EV aggressively, tow recurrently, 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 challenge, conventional dealerships are nonetheless transitioning to the electrical future. In contrast to gasoline-powered vehicles, 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 easier gear discount models, normally 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 suggest periodic checks, particularly below demanding circumstances like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, widespread 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 pissed off proprietor whose 11,500-mile EV6 would not begin, elevating questions on seller data and preparedness relating to EV know-how.

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 invaluable lesson: EV homeowners ought to preserve a wholesome skepticism when receiving sudden upkeep recommendations. Cross-referencing suggestions along 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 automobiles. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t at all times needed; schooling and consciousness are your finest instruments.

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

• Have you ever acquired questionable upkeep recommendations out of your dealership relating to your EV6 or different electrical automobiles?
• Do you consider dealerships require higher coaching or up to date know-how to precisely advise electrical automobile 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. Observe Narek on X for every day information protection about vehicles.

Picture supply: Grok.