Power Up!

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to transform the automotive landscape, one quick lube owner is taking bold steps to meet the future head-on. Phil Scatena, owner of four Grease Monkey locations in Illinois has expanded his team’s services to include routine maintenance for Tesla and other electric vehicles. And, the best news of all? No appointments needed, no long waits, and no dealership necessary.

While EVs are widely known for their low-maintenance appeal, experts warn that “low” doesn’t mean “none.” Regular care is still essential for optimal performance and longevity. For example, Tesla recommends checking brake fluid every four years, servicing the A/C desiccant bag at the same interval, and replacing the cabin air filter every two years. More urgently, tires on EVs wear faster due to their weight and torque, making tire rotations every 6,000 miles a must. Brake calipers should also be lubricated annually, especially in regions that use road salt.

“Other than the dealership, EV owners don’t always know where to go for service, because most quick lubes and even many traditional repair shops don’t touch electric vehicles,” says Scatena. “Shops that actually service EVs are few and far between, and we’re proud to be among the first in the area leading the way,” he added. “We’re currently seeing 3 to 4 EVs a month at our Lisle, Illinois location, but with more advertising and outreach, we plan to double that. It’s just a matter of building trust and showing EV drivers that they have a reliable, convenient alternative to the dealership.”

Dealership Backlogs? There's a Better Way

Despite the increasing number of EVs on the road, many electric vehicle owners find themselves waiting weeks for a simple service appointment at dealerships. What many drivers don’t realize is that they are not required to return to the dealership to maintain their warranty. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, routine maintenance can be performed by any qualified shop, as long as it's done to manufacturer standards.

That’s where Grease Monkey comes in.

Scatena and his team have invested in manufacturer-level repair manuals, hands-on training, and specialized tools to properly service EVs. Their goal is to provide the same fast, reliable service they’re known for with traditional gas-powered vehicles, now tailored to electric models.

“Our techs are trained both hands-on and through manufacturer-level repair manuals and factory specifications,” Scatena explains. “We’ve built a system that ensures that we’re ready to handle EVs just like we handle gas powered vehicles as a normal part of our service flow.”

Convenience Meets Confidence

Customer experience is central to Grease Monkey’s business model. Unlike dealership visits, which often come with long wait times and a lack of flexibility, EV owners can walk in and get service at Scatena’s Grease Monkey locations within an hour. Even slightly more complex EV maintenance, such as brake service, can be completed faster than the average dealer appointment.

But for Scatena, it’s not just about fast service; it’s about creating lasting relationships.

“Many EV owners also have a gas-powered vehicle at home,” he says. “By showing them what we can do with their electric cars, we earn their trust and often, their whole family’s business.”

With customer loyalty on the rise and a growing reputation for EV expertise, Scatena’s Grease Monkey is proving that the future of EV car care isn’t limited to dealerships. They’re making professional, certified EV maintenance accessible to every driver, without the wait.

“We’re genuinely excited to be part of this shift in the automotive world,” says Scatena. “Electric vehicles are here to stay, and we’re proud to give EV owners a fast, trusted alternative to the dealership. It’s about convenience, expertise, and letting our customers know they have options, and we’re ready for them!”

Grease Monkey in Lisle, Illinois is the first of Scatena’s four locations to offer EV maintenance, but his other three locations will be offering it soon, as his team members become fully trained.

Grease Monkey is located at 3295 Ogden Ave in Lisle. The phone number is 630-857-3466 and the email address is: gmlubeil140@gmail.com. You can also schedule an appointment online: https://schedule.autoops.com/b...