Electric vehicles (EVs) are currently the headline busters, and for a good reason. They’re efficient, clean, and cost-effective alternatives to gas-powered cars. But just because these vehicles don’t have an internal combustion engine doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for electric car maintenance. Electric vehicles also need some tender love and care.
While maintenance may be less for Evs than gas-powered cars, they (electric vehicles) still need looking after regardless. This keeps the car running smoothly for longer. But how do you maintain your electric car?
Here are helpful tips electric car upkeep.
Electric Car Maintenance: Charging and Battery
The first trick and tip to keeping your electric vehicle in good condition are to be mindful of your charging habits. Keep your EV charged as much as possible.
The battery is the heart of your electric car, and keeping it charged ensures enough juice to keep the vehicle running smoothly. Most EVs will use a standard electrical outlet to charge overnight. But if you’re in a hurry, use a Level 2 charger which takes around four hours to charge the EV battery.
Learn all you need to know about electric car battery life and how to extend it with this comprehensive guide. Get the latest insights and tips on EV Battery Life.
Charging habits – EV charging system maintenance
EV batteries are made to last for many years, but eventually, you’ll need to replace them. Your best bet is to prolong the lifespan by maintaining the proper charging habits. Take good care of the battery is a critical part of electric car maintenance.
Did you know that charging the battery to 100% every time is not a good idea as it can shorten the EV battery’s overall lifespan? Also, letting EV batteries run down too low isn’t good either.
Leaving the battery at less than 20% for more extended periods isn’t healthy for the car’s battery.
Ideally, maintain the charge between 20% and 80% and only go to 100% when you need an extra range for long journeys. Don’t overcharge the EV battery, as it can hasten the battery degradation process.
Other EV battery care tips
Battery checks: regular battery checks are vital if the goal is to extend battery life. Watch for danger signs such as a dip in range or unusual charging behavior.
Avoid extreme temperatures: park your EV under a shade whenever necessary, and store it in a cool, dry place when you’re not driving. While freezing temperatures can negatively bump the range, high temperatures can wreak havoc on the battery. The EV battery has its cooling system, which occasionally goes a long way to having it checked.
Heating and air conditioning are fantastic features that make the cabin comfy. However, you should use these sparingly to maintain a good EV battery range.
Constantly use the regenerative braking system to extend the electric car battery and conserve energy. Regenerative braking is a vital feature that captures the energy usually lost during braking and stores it in the battery for use. This system also helps reduce various components’ wear and tear, including brake pads.
Electric Car Service: Tire Care and Maintenance
All vehicles need adequately inflated tires to ensure optimum performance, and so it’s at the heart of electric vehicle maintenance. When EV tires are overinflated or underinflated, it can cause issues with the range. Therefore, as part of the electric car maintenance, check tire pressure at least once every month, and adjust whenever necessary.
In addition, rotate and balance the tires of your EV at least every 6,000 miles – follow what your EV manufacturer recommends. Rotation and balancing ensure even wear and prolong the life of the tires.
Another benefit of well-balanced EV tires is a smooth ride because it reduces vibrations and other road noises. Make sure the tires are well aligned as well. If you notice your electric car is pulling to one side or the tires have uneven wear, it means that they are due for alignment.
Keep the Right Fluid Levels for Your EV
Your electric car may still have an engine with a cooling system, so it’ll need oil changes and inspection. The EV may also have a gear-reduction transmission which also requires lubrication.
On the other hand, electric motors and other high-voltage electronics will need cooling. A separate cooling system may use a circulating coolant system or air from the passenger cabin. There’s also the windshield wiper fluid to keep an eye on.
Maintain Your EV Batteries
Electric cars leverage regenerative braking systems to generate electricity. This power conversion adds to the battery pack’s overall energy for additional range.
While the brakes of your EV are different from those of gas-powered vehicles, they still have components that need constant maintenance and will require replacement for some time. The EVs still have the standard brake pads in friction brakes, brake fluids, rotors, shoes, and drums, among others.
The brakes of your EV will therefore need regular maintenance and inspection. They should be part of your scheduled electric car maintenance.
Keep the EV Clean
A sparkling electric vehicle is a smile machine. It puts the widest smiles on your face and that of others.
But did you know that keeping your electric vehicle clean helps with its range and performance? Now you do! Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on critical parts and cause overheating and possible malfunctions. But how do you keep the EV clean?
A regular wash and waxing will do the trick to keep your car looking good and performing optimally. Extend the cleaning to the inside of the vehicle using the right equipment.
Regular Electric Car Maintenance by a Professional
While regular electric vehicle maintenance will help significantly extend the life of the electric vehicle, you still need to visit a professional service every 20,000 miles or two years.
The professional will inspect the vital components and replace the worn or damaged parts. This will avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your car is running smoothly.
Watch out for Signs of Potential Problems
While electric cars have fewer moving parts than their internal combustion counterparts and therefore require less maintenance, you’ll still need to replace parts. Like a malignant tumor, timing is essential in parts replacement. Therefore, watch out for signs of faulty parts.
Typically:
- Be wary of range decrease or performance.
- Any unusual noises that come out of nowhere.
The plan is to get the most out of your investment, and buying an electric car is no different. Taking care of the EV ensures it’s running smoothly without unexpected breakdowns that may shorten its life. Don’t overlook the need for electric car service.
