I Was Informed 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 beneficial a “switch case service” and “rear differential fluid service.” Confused and suspicious, Mike puzzled if this was authentic or simply one other approach for sellers to pad their pockets. What he uncovered sparked a full of life 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 not too long ago 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 aimed toward producing further income. They talked about that their mechanic, who owns an EV6 himself, personally recommends having it performed, however I’m in search of recommendation from educated people on whether or not this service is really crucial. Thanks.”

Mike’s skepticism is sensible. Electrical autos are extensively identified 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 handbook would not even point out these providers 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 house owners, every bringing beneficial 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 not too long ago 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 crucial, I went forward and altered 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 underneath 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 arduous, even for service departments.”

This humorous perception reveals how dealerships might inadvertently ship irrelevant upkeep notifications, highlighting how outdated vendor software program and programs typically wrestle 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. Should you have been to name them, the service supervisor would most probably 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, except they’re recommending a full blinker fluid alternate! 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?

In my view, whereas dealerships have a monetary incentive to recommend further providers, it would not routinely imply their recommendation is malicious. In Mike’s state of affairs, the dealership probably 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 beneficial upkeep schedule might be your most secure wager. That mentioned, when you incessantly drive your EV aggressively, tow repeatedly, or function in extreme climates, it wouldn’t damage 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 state of affairs displays a broader challenge, conventional dealerships are nonetheless transitioning to the electrical future. In contrast to gasoline-powered automobiles, EVs simplify mechanical parts considerably. The Kia EV6 would not have a standard switch case or conventional differentials. As an alternative, it makes use of less complicated gear discount models, often thought-about “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 underneath demanding situations like extended extreme climate driving, towing, or spirited driving, frequent with efficiency fashions such because the 585-horsepower Kia EV6 GT.

Various Proprietor Experiences with Kia EV6

Proprietor tales I’ve lined 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 annoyed proprietor whose 11,500-mile EV6 would not begin, elevating questions on vendor data and preparedness concerning 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 stability between enjoyment and minor annoyances of the EV6.

Ethical of the Story

Mike’s dealership confusion holds a beneficial lesson: EV house owners ought to preserve a wholesome skepticism when receiving sudden upkeep options. Cross-referencing suggestions along with your official proprietor’s handbook, in search of second opinions from fellow EV drivers, and understanding your driving situations can defend you from pointless bills or stress. Bear in mind, vendor programs and personnel are nonetheless adapting to electrical autos. Whereas warning is prudent, outright mistrust isn’t all the time crucial; schooling and consciousness are your finest instruments.

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

• Have you ever obtained questionable upkeep options out of your dealership concerning 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 trade. Observe Narek on X for day by day information protection about automobiles.

Picture supply: Grok.