Maintaining an electric car is much easier compared to a regular car. It isn’t challenging to support EVs because their parts don’t suffer from the same kind of frequent wear and tear due to the electric motor. Still, it will need some maintenance for well-kept quality use.
How to Maintain an Electric Car
1. Battery Safekeeping
The battery is the principal part of the electric car. The standard capacity for EVs is 99,419 miles, or 160,000 kilometers. However, since electric vehicles use batteries with a limited lifespan, their effectiveness through use will lessen over time, as well as their driving range and ability to store energy.
If the battery ever wears out or stops performing well, you should not try to fix it yourself. Have your electric vehicle checked at an authorized workshop that specializes in hybrid or electric cars. Here are some EV maintenance tips for your battery:
- Do not overcharge the batteries. Overcharging is a serious problem because it can permanently harm your battery and your electric vehicle.
- Charge your battery only up to 80%. Always try to leave your car a few percentages before you charge it again; this is a good practice since it does not tire the battery that much. Do not fully exhaust your car’s battery because you can damage it. Just like overcharging, you should not overuse it.
- Avoid making quick charges. Sometimes you cannot avoid a quick battery charge. However, repeated fast battery charging will damage it. In fact, the damage it can make to your car’s battery lifespan is immense, and battery replacement can set you back a pretty penny. It is better to have a full, complete charge once in a while than a little by little quick battery charge.
2. Brake Caution
Electric vehicles can act as a motor and a generator. When you remove your foot from the accelerator, the motor of the electric vehicle slows down. It’s when the electricity goes back to the car battery.
For emergencies, drivers still use conventional hydraulic brakes because regenerative braking only causes the car to a stop. With the heavyweight of electric vehicles, the brake pads and discs wear and tear faster. As an EV maintenance measure, maintain a safe distance, and check traffic reports before traveling to reduce the breakage of the car’s braking system.
3. Tire Care
Another point to consider when maintaining an electric car is the status of the tires. EV’s have weighty batteries that apply more use and torque to make the wheels go.
Like the batteries, taking care of your tires can be vital when maintaining your electric car. Try to avoid full acceleration, slow down when turning, and be careful when making a sudden and hard break.
Try to keep your tires in balance. Always check the inflation pressure of your tires to be sure if they are correct. No one wants to ride in an unbalanced car.
4. Coolant Monitoring
Electric vehicles use coolants to keep the battery cool and to prevent overheating. The coolant is circulated in the battery motor to cool the battery.
Keeping the battery cool prevents overheating and damage, and this is necessary in general electric car maintenance. If your coolant is not functioning well, you can go to your manufacturer and have it checked.
5. Air Conditioning Servicing
Always check the refrigerant, lubricant, and pump elements. If these are old and dirty, it can reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of the air conditioning in your vehicle. Don’t fix your car’s air conditioning on your own; have a professional do it. AC refrigerant and compressor oil are regulated, and only some professionals are allowed to work on it.
6. Air Filter Maintenance and Replacement
Harmful particles like pollen, dust, and dirt can harm your electric vehicle’s air filter, but don’t worry — air filters are usually cheap. It costs less than $50 for an air filter that can last around 2 to 3 years. Buy the one recommended in your car’s manual. Remember to keep these six tips in mind if you want to learn how to maintain an electric car. However, nothing beats professional work. Northwest Collision Center is the best auto body repair shop in St. Petersburg, FL. We can definitely help you maintain your EV!
