Comparatively speaking, electric vehicles (EVs) are very efficient and they require little maintenance compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, they do need to be serviced regularly, in order to ensure the performance of your EV and to prolong its lifespan. This guide will take you of the most effective Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips that every EV owner should know. We will include battery care, and tire maintenance, as well as the tasks that are often overlooked.
Why Electric Vehicle Maintenance Is Important
Electric vehicles, though having fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, still need to be maintained on a regular basis for the efficient operation of the vehicle. Adequate maintenance helps avoid any costly repairs as well as maximizes the performance and range of your EV. Following these Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips will provide you with a reliable, smooth, and safe driving experience. Check out the benefits of EVs from the U.S. Department of Energy.
1) Battery Care: The Heart of Your EV
Batteries are the heart of every electric vehicle; therefore, they require special care to achieve longevity and health. Here are tips for ensuring your EV’s battery is in the best condition:
1) Avoid Frequent Fast Charging
Fast charging is the most convenient way to charge your EV. However, regular usage can generate heat which could affect the lifespan of your battery. For daily charging, you should prefer Level 2 chargers, which do not harm your battery as much as fast chargers. Use fast charging sparingly, for road trips or quick fill-ups only.
2) Maintain an Optimal Charge Level
In order to prolong battery life, you should try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% during regular use. Refrain from running the battery down to below 10% or fully charging it to a 100% level; unless it is really necessary, a better option will be trying to keep the charge level within the optimal range of 20% and 80%. Many EV manufacturers provide the facility to restrict charging so that the optimal range could be maintained easily.
3) Monitor Battery Health
Every EV is equipped with the diagnostic feature that enables the user to observe the battery conditions in real-time. You can regularly verify your battery status through the app or your dashboard so that you will get to know that your vehicle is in optimal operation. If you recognize major decreases in the range or performance, you should bring the battery to a professional technician for a complete inspection. Your EV battery maintenance will also be improved by following Consumer Reports’ instructions.
Tire Maintenance Tips for Electric Vehicles
The tires of your vehicle are important elements that affect the performance of your EV, contributing to the factors that affect its handling and energy efficiency. Here are some tire maintenance tips to keep your electric vehicle running smoothly:
1) Check Tire Pressure Regularly
The most annoying part of using an EV is due to the high rolling resistance created by low tire pressure, which consequently leads to decreased travel distance (range) and accelerated tire wear. Tire pressure should be checked and maintained at the recommended level by the manufacturer at least once a month; therefore, proper tire inflation improves efficiency, ensures safety, and increases tire life.
2) Rotate Tires Frequently
Rotating your tires aids in ensuring that they are worn evenly and helps enhance the life span of your tires while improving the handling of your EV. You may follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on tire rotation intervals or have your tires rotated every 5000 to 7500-mile intervals.
3) Choose the Right Tires
Some of the tires you can choose for your car are the low rolling resistance tires specifically made for electric vehicles when the time comes for you to replace your tires. The tires are energy-efficient and can help you save on every single charge. You can also make sure that your tires are the best for driving conditions you face on a regular basis, such as wet and icy roads. More on low rolling resistance tires can be found on Tire rack.
Brake Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles are endowed with regenerative braking capability, one of the major factors that help in extending the life of traditional brake components. However, periodic brake servicing is equally critical in ensuring an adequate level of safety and good performance of the vehicle. Here is how you can take care of your EV’s brakes:
1) Take Advantage of Regenerative Braking
Unlike the traditional vehicle braking system, regenerative braking actually converts kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery when applied. Thus, continuous regenerative braking through early lifting off the accelerator lasts longer than disc pads and reduces disc wear. Use it when you can, by shifting down early and brake gently.
2) Inspect Brake Components Regularly
Despite the use of regenerative braking, conventional brake components like pads and discs will ultimately wear out. Ensure a regular inspection of your brakes, in particular, if you notice any variations in braking performance like noise or vibration. The early replacement of worn brake pads and discs is a precondition for the assured safety of your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set out standards for the maintenance of brakes.
3) Keep Brake Fluid in Check
Even though electric vehicles are much less fluid-dependent compared to conventional cars, brake fluid is the most crucial fluid for achieving quality braking performance. Check the brake fluid level regularly and replace it whenever necessary while following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additional Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips
There are also other essential areas of EV upkeep that alongside battery, tire, and brake maintenance should be taken seriously:
1) Keep Software Up to Date
Electric vehicles are very often updated to improve their performance, add to their safety features, and fix certain bugs. Thus you should keep the software of your vehicle updated so that you can actually benefit from the latest available technology. Many updates can be installed over-the-air, so read your device notifications to avoid missing updates.
2) Maintain the Cooling System
Standard cooling systems that do the job of regulating the temperature of the battery and other components can be found in most electric vehicles. After some time, the coolant level can drop decreasing the efficiency of the system. Inspect the coolant level on a regular basis and fill it right up as needed for the effective functioning of your EV’s cooling system.
Learn more about battery cooling systems from the U.S. Department of Energy.
3) Regularly Inspect Suspension and Steering Components
Due to their greater battery weight electric cars tend to weigh more than gas vehicles, which can cause additional stress on steering and suspension components. These areas must be assessed during regular maintenance visits to determine if they are functioning properly. In addition, replacing worn parts can help maintain ride comfort and handling.
Conclusion
Following Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips will help ensure a smoothly running EV, more extended longevity, and a safe efficient drive. Regular maintenance is the most crucial element to get value from your electric vehicle whether it be the battery, tires, brakes, or other essential components that get care. A proactive approach to EV maintenance will guarantee that your car runs throughout the years reliably and performs excellently.
For details on maintaining your electric vehicle, visit our guide on ultimate electric car maintenance tips.