An electric vehicle (EV) has a lot to offer, such as a lower running cost and eco-friendliness. However, just like gas cars, they are not without concerns regarding their maintenance which should help their owners keep them in excellent condition. To ensure the journey of going emission-free is a complete success, this ultimate guide to electric car maintenance includes key tips on how to keep your EV going for the long haul.
Why Electric Car Maintenance is Important
In order to increase the lifetime of your car and the performance of your EV, you should ensure it is maintained regularly. Though EVs are different than conventional gasoline-powered cars in terms of having fewer moving parts, there is still a need to pay attention to aspects such as the cooling system, brake system, tire system and battery among others. Maintaining your vehicle can lead to a future where you won’t have to deal with expensive repairs as well as maintain the resale value of your EV.
Battery Maintenance
The lifeblood of your EV is its battery, hence, it must be nurtured carefully for it to be durable. The following are tips for the electric vehicle battery care:
- Regular Charging: For optimal health, it’s best to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80%. Charge your electric vehicle battery when it reaches 10% or lower. Do not charge it to 100% frequently as this will only put a strain on the battery.
- Avoid Extreme Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can negatively affect the performance of the battery. If you can, always park your car in a garage or shaded area and use preconditioning functions such as turning on air conditioning ahead of time so that the battery won’t be overheated before you drive it.
- Use Level 2 Chargers: Instead of using fast chargers, opt for Level 2 chargers when charging daily. Rapid charging generates additional heat that will eventually cause damage to… the battery over a period of time.
Tire Maintenance
The performance of electric vehicles is significantly determined by tires, which is an essential part of the system. Typical electric cars weigh more than gas cars due to the battery. By following these tire maintenance tips, your drive will be both safe and fuel-efficient.
- Regular Tire Pressure Checks: Tires should be inflated to the recommended levels set by the manufacturer. Correct tire pressure is critical for safety, range of movement, and tire durability.
- Rotate Tires Regularly: Tire rotation should be done according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to allow for even wear. The life of your tires can be extended this way and handling can also be improved.
- Choose Low Rolling Resistance Tires: You can opt for low rolling resistance tires that were designed specifically for electric cars. These tires are intended to reduce electricity use and boost the vehicle’s efficiency.
Maintaining the Cooling System
Electric vehicles depend on cooling systems to maintain the correct operating temperature of batteries as well as other parts. One of the main reasons for which proper cooling system maintenance is dangerous is if it happens frequently or in a bad way, it can lead to the damage of both the engine and the car.
Cooling Fluid Levels
The cooling fluid levels should be checked regularly by yourself and topped off as needed by professionals. You will find those intervals in your owner’s manual. It is your responsibility to be aware of your vehicle’s condition and report such issues immediately to avoid the risk of damage.
Keep Air Vents Clean
Bear in mind that keeping air vents clean would also help you to avoid overheating. Efficiency problems and the possibility of overheating could accompany restricted airflow in approximately the same degree.
Brake Maintenance
Electric vehicles use energy recapturing systems that help preserve the quality of traditional brake pads by converting the kinetic energy resulting from the vehicle’s motion into electrical energy which subsequently is being used to recharge the batteries. Nevertheless, repairs of the brake system still require regular maintenance.
Inspect Brake Pads
Even though brake pads on EVs usually last for longer, they should also be monitored frequently for wear. Replace them when necessary to ensure your vehicle braking system is safe and sound in terms of performance.
Brake Fluid Replacement
The replacement of brake fluid should follow your car’s maintenance schedule. In most cases, the brake fluid absorbs moisture which leads to performance reduction and corrosion of sensitive parts of the brake system over the years.
Software Updates
An important aspect of EV ownership is making sure software updates are done regularly. Besides performance enhancement and addition of new features such as navigating around the area, these updates may even lead to increased safety community-wide.
Stay Up-to-Date
Only one software update can determine whether your EV is out-of-date or up to date, therefore it is vital to have regular checks if there are any updates from the manufacturing company. Many electric vehicles from a manufacturer known as Tesla have a feature called Wireless Firmware or Over-The-Air updates which are easy to integrate and significantly improve driving experience.
Visit the Dealer When Needed
Some programs may be too big for a do-it-yourself project and the hardware must be brought into an authorized dealership for installation. It is critical to have these updates immediately scheduled otherwise your vehicle will not run without problems for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
Electric car maintenance is essential for ensuring your EV remains reliable, efficient, and safe. The maintenance tips suggested in this file will enable you to use your electric vehicle longer and enjoy its benefits for years to come. Particular attention to the battery, tires, water cooling system, and software will help to avoid any unexpected problems and help the electric vehicle run speakfully.
Do you want more tips on electric vehicle care? Read our guide on how to extend the life of your electric car battery.