Owner's book · not a shop
Open HoodKnow the car. Then the window. Factory specs in plain English — don't authorize until you can say this at the counter.
Owner's book · not a shop
Open HoodKnow the car. Then the window. Factory specs in plain English — don't authorize until you can say this at the counter.
Guides
Beginner · short stepsExpert · spec · code · mm
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How-to · EV · No oil, 12V, tires
DIY-safe driveway job
The big pack moves the car. The little 12-volt battery wakes the computers, locks, and contactors. When it dies, a “full” EV will not unlock or charge. You jump the 12V posts in the manual — never the orange cables. Replacement is a normal battery job in a weird location.
Safety
Steps · beginner-friendly
Tools
Parts
Out of Spec BITS
EVs Commonly Kill 12V Batteries! My Rivian Needed 2 New Ones
Out of Spec explains why EVs still have 12V, how the DC-DC charges it, and why these little batteries die early.
Watch on YouTubeIf you are not DIY · say this instead
The EV will not wake. Please test and replace the 12-volt battery at the designated posts. Do not open the high-voltage pack for this symptom.
Ask at the shop
Ask 12V test results and whether the DC-DC is charging. Two 12V batteries in six months is a charging problem.
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EV
EV owner: there is no oil change — here is what still wears
A battery-electric car has no engine oil, no spark plugs, and no trans drain in the gasoline sense. You still have a 12-volt battery, tires, brake fluid, cabin filter, and coolant for the battery/inverter loop. Shops that quote an oil change on a Tesla are reading the wrong menu.
EV
EV tires: weight, torque, and why they wear faster
Electric cars are heavy and make instant torque. Tires work harder. Door-jamb PSI still wins. Some tires are marked for EV load and noise. A cheap low-load tire can wear 20% faster or feel vague. Rotate on schedule. This is the wear item oil used to be.
Battery
Jump-start a dead 12-volt battery
A dead battery is usually lights left on or an old battery — not a dead engine. Cable order matters so you do not spark on the battery. Last clamp goes to bare metal on the dead car, not the dead negative post.
Battery
Replace a 12-volt battery
Negative cable off first, then positive, then the hold-down. The new battery must match group size and CCA, not just “it fits in the tray.” Positive on first, negative last. Many radios will want a code. Recycle the old one — the core is worth money.
Parts · 12v-battery · battery