Driving an electric car can be many times easier than driving a gas car, but maintenance is usually more complicated. Most electric car owners find it difficult to learn the maintenance methods. While powering your electric vehicle isn’t much different than taking care of conventional vehicles, some things need a little extra care. Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicle maintenance is not just limited to the battery. It’s important to note that the tips listed below apply to all but all electric cars, however, some conditions may or may not be relevant to you depending on the make and model you have.
10 Watch your driving habits
A black Tesla on the road
The electric vehicle concept has just emerged from its inception. Consequently, the way you drive must be smoother than the way you drive a petrol or diesel car. Although not a general rule, it is recommended not to accelerate beyond 120 km/h (75 mph) for a longer duration, as the battery tends to take a hit at higher speeds. Additionally, constant speed fluctuations are also known to affect the health of your car battery. If you are faced with a situation where a feature of your car is not working, it is best to turn it off and on again rather than repeatedly touching the buttons. It happens a lot.
9 Take care of your electric vehicle battery
A silver Tesla Model Y
The overhaul and maintenance cycle of an electric vehicle is not as frequent as fuel vehicles. However, to ensure this, you will need to take care of your EV’s power supply. Battery life depends on several factors, including your driving style, charging sessions, weather conditions, and even your parking spot. The battery management system (BMS) is responsible for ensuring the safety of your electric vehicle’s battery. The system monitors the state of health (SoH), load levels and the vehicle’s response to different temperatures. A battery pack with a faulty BMS is prone to damage. Therefore, for each service, you can specifically request that it be inspected. Since your car battery is just a scaled-up version of your cell phone’s lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, you can copy some of the battery-saving methods you use for your phones. Some suggestions that can improve lifespan include even charging, smooth driving, and disabling features that aren’t needed.
8 Watch the fluids
A silver Hyundai Ioniq from the front
Although you don’t have to deal with as many varieties of oils as in the case of ICEs, cars still have a few to deal with. The temperature tolerance of electric vehicles has always been a concern for owners. Therefore, it is necessary to control the coolant levels to save the engine and adjacent parts from damage caused by excess temperature. Also, it’s beneficial to know when your electric ride needs a transmission and brake oil change. Another important fluid for your electric vehicle is screen or windshield washer fluid. Using screen wash keeps your windshield scratch-free for longer. Water-only wipers do not remove fine dust particles, but rather rub them onto the windshield causing permanent scratches.
7 Improve the way you charge your EV
A two-tone BMW i3 in charge
This one will be a little difficult to follow for all those who have just switched from a conventional vehicle. Or, it just takes a little getting used to. Ideally, you shouldn’t charge your electric vehicle whenever and however much you want, because it will directly affect the durability of the battery. It has been scientifically suggested that battery juice levels should be neither too high nor too low. Avoid exceeding measurement levels above 80 to 85 percent, unless you are going to be hitting the roads for a long trip. Finally, some degree of vigilance would be good to prevent it from falling too low. Occasional inactivity is fine, but when the car sits idle for longer periods of time on a frequent basis, problems can arise. That’s not all, you should also refrain from fast charging. Although convenient, fast charging is known to decrease battery capacity and thus effectively shorten battery life.
6 Watch your tires
A white Nissan Leaf
In this case, just follow the instructions in the textbook you have for gas vehicle tires. Although almost all tire-related details are displayed on the dashboard, a regular visual inspection is a must. For most electric vehicles, the recommended pressure is between 32 and 36 psi (pounds per square inch). Also, if you notice any kind of tilt while driving, it’s important to check the alignment. Practice will not only improve your driving experience, but also extend the life of your tires. Experts recommend checking alignment and balance every 5,000-7,000 miles. However, if you are a big off-roader, you may need to do the alignment every 3,000 miles.
5 Different care methods for different weather conditions
Electric motor of a Toyota EV
It’s not a myth, time actually decides what works best for electric drive vehicles. Most of the time-based care techniques for electric vehicles remain the same as for fuel-based vehicles, but the intensity of care is amplified. When it’s colder, warming up in the morning is essential before going for a spin. Check and replace thermal oil as needed to ensure that parts do not fall victim to thermal oxidation and degradation. Always keep in mind that an electric vehicle is more susceptible to high temperatures than a conventional vehicle. Batteries work best at 70 degrees. Temperatures, too high or too low, can cause a decrease in power. Most of the recent EV models from brands like BMW, Tesla and Toyota are robust enough to promise a smooth ride even in adverse weather conditions. However, you should not go beyond 100 km/h (62 mph) and put extra pressure on the battery if the temperature is high.
4 Take care of the brakes
A red Tesla Roadster on display.
Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles use break pads just like a conventional car does. Also, brake pads require inspection from time to time. As a general rule, brake pads need to be replaced every 10,000-15,000 miles. A tip: Never wait for the brake pads to wear out completely, as this could damage other components of the brake system, including the tires. In addition, you will also need the brake fluid replaced at each service to ensure that your brakes are working effectively. Most electric vehicles come with regenerative braking – a special braking system that helps to gradually replenish the battery every time the driver hits the break. When you take your car in for service, be sure to ask your mechanic to check the power generation capacity of the brakes. It can prove quite useful in the long run.
3 Change the way you wash your EV
Man cleaning the tires of a Tesla Model 3
Your EV is more electronic and less mechanical. As a result, you need to know which areas are off limits while washing your car. To begin with, you should always look for electric car washes instead of gas pressure washers. The lower pressure of high level helps for better cleaning. You may have seen washing machines cleaning the edges of doors and boots with thin streams of water. Although it may not cause any problems four out of five times, the practice is not entirely safe, even more so for electric vehicles. Turn off any automatic features you have on so you won’t be disturbed while washing the car. For example, the windshield wipers can automatically start detecting water on the windshield. Finally, don’t load during or right after washing.
2 Periodic inspection is an absolute necessity
CEVO C on the road.
Well, you don’t always have to wait until the next service to do the inspection. Even a small tinkling of metals can cause major and costly damage. Fix any problems you may have while driving right away. Experts recommend doing a periodic check of everything they can understand. The maintenance cost of an electric vehicle may not be that high, but if the problem is with the engine or the battery, you may have to pay a lot. The average battery replacement cost in 2023 ranges from $4,000 to $18,000. You can start by trying to understand how your car reacts to different conditions, roads and speeds.
1 The engines also need some attention
Three electric cars in CRI
Electric traction vehicles have engines that do not require as much care and regular maintenance. Due to fewer moving parts, the engine is also less prone to wear. What’s better, motor oil is not something you need if you have an all-electric car (HEVs and PHEVs require motor oil). Despite all the positives, the engine can still be vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and a number of other factors. High temperature, reckless driving and water are the main enemies that can take years of engine life.
