I've wondered this for a while and this seems like a good time to ask: Do electric cars use motor oil in the same way as an internal combustion vehicle? Like do you need to get oil changes in an all electric the same way and have a need for a dipstick?
this post was submitted on 23 May 2025
219 points (91.0% liked)
Technology
70440 readers
2720 users here now
This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.
Our Rules
- Follow the lemmy.world rules.
- Only tech related news or articles.
- Be excellent to each other!
- Mod approved content bots can post up to 10 articles per day.
- Threads asking for personal tech support may be deleted.
- Politics threads may be removed.
- No memes allowed as posts, OK to post as comments.
- Only approved bots from the list below, this includes using AI responses and summaries. To ask if your bot can be added please contact a mod.
- Check for duplicates before posting, duplicates may be removed
- Accounts 7 days and younger will have their posts automatically removed.
Approved Bots
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Nope. The only fluid I worry about in my EV is windshield wiper fluid.
And the blinker one right? EVs still have that afaik.
Got my mechanic to replace the transmission fluid in mine after 80,000km, cost $90NZD
I'm not sure if this is universally true but I've never seen a fully electric vehicle that uses motor oil. Hybrid vehicles with an internal combustion engine and an electric drive train would still need it, of course.
Not having to take my car for oil changes is bliss.
There's still hydraulic fluids and transmission oil in EVs but by the time you need to change that most people are long out of warranty and likely already onto their next car.
So strictly speaking there is oil and fluids that need replacing but like its such a long life span.
load more comments
(1 replies)
It still has oil in the transmission. And yes, you are supposed to change it occasionally because its high slip friction oil that burns over time.
load more comments
(2 replies)
Oil is essential. However, those manufacturers that claim you have to change synthetic oil three times a year are full of shit.
load more comments
(3 replies)
This sounds like an old Mercedes problem: Why even having a dipstick when there isn't any drain bolt? The Mechanic sucks all the oil from the top using a vacuum. Grime buildup down in the oil pan? Ain't care! The car will break anyway, once it's out of warranty.
the vacuum oil change is a standard in watercraft, so its not that revolutionary
I hated raising my VW Jetta so I would oil change it with a hand pump vacuum, it worked great
load more comments
(2 replies)
I hate all these automatic sensors in new cars. I don't usually buy new cars, I get ones that are a few years used. Almost all of them have a light on the dash for a "tire error" because the stupid sensor has died and no one in their right mind wants to spend $300 to replace a thing that tells you your tire pressure is low. Plus, the things die in a few years anyway.
I just do the Homer Simpson solution and put a bit of black tape over the tire error light.
$300? A TPS sensor replacement should cost like $75 including the sensor itself.
About $300 is what the mechanics in the area usually charge. The dealership is more.
$70 at Discount Tire.
Each?!?!
Fuck that. I'll pay $300 for the set and let them do the work for me. LOL
load more comments
(1 replies)
load more comments
(4 replies)
load more comments
(2 replies)
Knowing the exact oil level is very important for new cars. The piston rings are now made of softer metal to get a few more mpgs. If you overfill oil, you will get blow by, damage the rings, and start burning oil. Toyota now has an involved process of changing oil, running the engine, then topping off the oil while the engine is hot so as to not overfill. But not even my dealer follows that official procedure Toyota put in their manual.
load more comments
(1 replies)
Just forcing more people towards mechanics. Can’t see levels or if there might be an issue with a lubricant, so if you burn up a transmission, guess you gotta buy a new one.
my 2008 BMW doesn't have a dipstick
my 2008 BMW doesn't have a dipstick
Sure it does, it is in the driver's seat.
load more comments
(4 replies)
My cyber truck doesn't have a dipstick and I'm mad as hell about it. I bought it to feel like more of a man and I feel like less of man without a dipstick.
I thought the dipstick in a cybertruck is usually found behind the steering wheel
load more comments
(1 replies)
Sounds like a scam by big oil to sell more oil.