From reducing emissions and fuel costs to their whisper-quiet operation, there are countless advantages to going electric when choosing your next vehicle. The automotive experts at AAA crunched the numbers and determined that a compact electric vehicle costs about $546 in electricity to drive 15,000 miles a year, while the equivalent vehicle takes $1,255 of gas, 130 percent more. But fuel costs aren’t the only reason why today’s EVs are so affordable to operate.
When you settle on a Chevy Equinox EV for sale, you’ll be required to perform a lot less maintenance than a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, thanks to the lack of an internal combustion engine and all the associated parts. AAA also determined that the typical EV would save drivers around $330 when compared to its gas-burning counterpart. While they might be much simpler to keep on the road, EVs still require some regular maintenance. Let’s walk through the Equinox EV’s basic maintenance schedule and learn just how easy it is to keep one of the industry’s most affordable electric crossovers on the road.
Equinox EV Maintenance
When you stop to think about it, most of your average vehicle’s regular maintenance is focused on the engine. From oil and oil filter changes to maintaining the exhaust system and replacing worn-out belts and hoses, a gas-burning engine requires plenty of upkeep. The same can’t be said for today’s EVs, which, lacking an engine, are a lot easier and more affordable to keep on the road. While they might be simpler in terms of maintenance, there are some EV-specific tasks that drivers need to keep in mind if they want to get the most out of their electric vehicle.
While an EV’s unique construction generally means less wear and tear on vital components, the tires are a notable exception. The increased weight of an EV’s battery, plus the high torque produced by the electric motors, means that drivers need to be a little more mindful about the point where the rubber meets the road. Chevy recommends rotating the tires after the first 7,500 miles of driving, and notes that the initial rotation is typically the most important. Rotating your tires ensures that they develop an even wear pattern, which will make the tires last longer while providing superior traction. Chevy advises drivers to check the vehicle’s alignment if they notice uneven wear, even after a rotation.
When your Equinox EV hits the 7,500-mile mark, you’ll want to lubricate key components like the lock cylinder, hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the chassis itself. Treat the EV to a full underbody wash at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to remove any corrosive materials that might have adhered to the undercarriage. It’s also a good time to complete a multi-point vehicle inspection that covers the Chevy’s diagnostic systems, exterior lights, 12-volt battery, fluids, brakes, tires, and all safety components. If this list seems intimidating, your local Chevy dealership can help with a wide range of maintenance services, including a thorough multi-point inspection performed by an experienced technician.
Once the Equinox reaches 22,500 miles, it’s time for one of the simplest maintenance tasks a driver could hope to encounter: replacing the cabin air filter. Available for a little as $20 and easy to install for even the least mechanically inclined drivers, a fresh cabin air filter guarantees that the SUV’s interior remains free from allergens, pollution, and other contaminants that might compromise a driver’s health or lead to a musty cabin. If you routinely drive in an area that experiences high pollution, dust, or heavy traffic, you might consider replacing the cabin air filter a little more often.
Hitting 100,000 on the odometer is a milestone for any vehicle, but it also means it’s time to replace the gas struts that help to prop up the hood. The gas used in these struts can dissipate over time and impact the hood’s ability to safely remain open. An EV’s battery is typically designed to last for up to 20 years, but you will need to give it a little TLC when you reach 150,000 miles. EVs feature an independent cooling system that controls the temperature of the high-voltage battery, and it’s vital that the coolant be drained and replaced at 150,000 miles. This task is not for newbies, and we’d strongly recommend making an appointment with your local Chevy dealership to complete this particular task due to the risks associated with the high-voltage battery. Finally, you’ll need to replace the EV’s brake fluid every five years and swap out the desiccant in the climate control system every seven years. These tasks pretty much represent the entirety of the Equinox EV’s recommended maintenance schedule, which might be a shock for those who are accustomed to their internal combustion vehicles always seeming to be in need of some type of service.
Leveraging Chevy’s Resources
If you’re a little overwhelmed by the maintenance process or want to ensure your Equinox EV is treated to the best possible service, it might be time to visit a Chevy dealership. There, you can get a wide range of basic and advanced maintenance services from certified Chevrolet technicians familiar with every nut, bolt, and wire you might find under the hood. Chevy has been producing EVs for over a decade, so dealerships have had plenty of time to train their staff on electric models’ unique maintenance and repair requirements. When you trust a Chevy dealership with your Equinox EV’s maintenance, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll only use genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to complete every project.
Purchasing a new Equinox EV from a certified Chevy dealership comes with some important perks. Your first maintenance visit is usually on the house as part of Chevy’s generous service program, and includes a full multi-point vehicle inspection covering all of the Equinox EV’s most vital components, including the battery, tires, EV cooling system, and drive unit. They’ll even ensure your EV is ready for its next trip to the charging station with a thorough inspection of the charge port seal and charge port connector. You can schedule service right on Chevy’s website, where you can also browse new tires, shop authentic Chevy accessories, or treat your Equinox to some custom auto detailing.
Regular maintenance is one of the easiest ways to ensure a vehicle’s long-term performance. Still, if something were to go wrong, Chevy has your back with one of the industry’s most comprehensive warranty programs. The package includes a full bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership. The EV-specific coverage really seals the deal. The battery can be one of the most expensive components on any EV at a cost of $5,000 to $16,000, but you won’t have to worry about any expected bills for the first eight years or 100,000 miles, thanks to the propulsion battery limited warranty. Chevy has even thrown in free roadside assistance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, and will tow the Equinox EV free of charge for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Those seeking further peace of mind can always invest in Chevy’s EV Protection Plan. Available on all new, pre-owned, or leased Chevy EVs, the EV Protection Plan will keep your Equinox in fighting shape with a long list of covered repairs performed with GM genuine parts and AC Delco replacement parts, as well as diagnostics and fluid replacement, 24-hour roadside assistance, and more. Drivers can choose a deductible that works for their budget, and even invest in Platinum Protection that covers 1,500 parts for the first 96 months or 100,000 miles of driving.
Finally, there’s Chevy’s pre-paid maintenance program. In an era of ever-rising costs, you can lock in a great deal on scheduled maintenance for 36 months by leveraging Chevy’s unique pre-paid program. The basic plan includes annual inspection of your EV’s regenerative brakes, battery coolant, charging socket/port, cabin air filter, wiper blade replacement, and a tire rotation every 7,500 miles. Stepping up to the EV Pre-Paid Maintenance Plus level throws an extra wiper blade and cabin air filter replacement into the mix, as well as one mechanical wheel alignment and one hour of alignment calibration. The EV Pre-Paid Maintenance Premium package is the most well-rounded of the three, including all the services you’ll find on the first two levels, along with one brake pad and rotor replacement, a brake fluid flush, EV battery coolant flush, and a 12-volt auxiliary battery replacement.
Less Fuss, More Fun With the Chevy Equinox EV
If you want to enjoy miles of worry-free driving without the constant visits to your local auto shop or dealership, the Equinox EV is hard to ignore. The SUV’s all-electric design cuts down routine maintenance tasks while providing some of the best performance, efficiency, and ownership costs a driver could ask for. As long as you remember to stay on top of your tire rotations and replace all the relevant fluids and filters, there’s no reason why your Equinox EV shouldn’t provide you with years of enjoyment and utility.
If you want to give your Equinox the best chances of success, your local Chevy dealership can be a valuable partner in the repair and maintenance process. From using OEM parts to offering free maintenance visits and answering any questions you might have about the warranty, the dealership can be a valuable resource. Chevy’s EV Protection Plan is a worthwhile investment for any driver with three levels of coverage to choose from, and the pre-paid maintenance program will allow you to lock in low prices on services you’ll end up needing somewhere down the road.