Owning an electric vehicle (EV) brings a new set of experiences in maintenance. Many people think electric cars need no upkeep, but this isn’t true. EVs do need regular care, just different from gas-powered cars. This guide will show you what to expect when maintaining your electric car, helping you feel more at ease with this new technology.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Electric cars have fewer moving parts than gas-powered ones, which means they need less upkeep. But don’t think they never need any care. You still need to look after them to keep them running well and lasting long.
Key Components of EV Maintenance
- Battery Care: The battery powers every electric vehicle. Taking good care of it can make it last much longer.
- Tires: Heavy batteries in electric vehicles might cause tires to wear out quicker than in regular cars.
- Brakes: Electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which can help brake parts last longer.
- Fluids and Filters: Electric vehicles need fewer fluids, but you should still check brake fluid, coolant, and cabin air filters often.
Battery Maintenance: What Keeps Your EV Running
The battery is the most important part of an electric vehicle. Learning how to look after it can save you from buying expensive replacements later on.
Lifespan Expectations
EV batteries nowadays last 8 to 15 years, based on how you use them and where you keep them. Things like really hot or cold weather can shorten how long they work so try to park your car in a place that’s not too hot or cold when you can.
Charging Practices
To help your battery last longer, don’t fill it up to 100% all the time. Try to keep the charge between 20% and 80%. This puts less strain on the battery and can make it work well for a longer time.
Temperature Management
High temperatures can harm battery health. Many car makers put thermal management systems in their vehicles to keep battery temperatures just right. But as a car owner, you should also try to park your car in shady or cool spots when you can.
Tire Maintenance: Keeping You on the Road
Tires play a key role in vehicle safety and how well your car runs. For electric cars, taking care of tires is even more crucial because of how heavy the battery is.
Tire Wear and Replacement
Electric cars weigh more than gas-powered ones, which can cause tires to wear out faster. Check your tire pressure and tread depth often to stay safe and get better mileage. Many people who own EVs need new tires every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, based on how they drive and the quality of their tires.
Picking the Best Tires
Buying tires made just for electric cars can boost how well they run and save energy. These tires can help your car go farther on a charge.
Taking Care of Brakes: A New Way
One big plus of electric cars is how they slow down and charge at the same time. This setup puts power back into the battery and also means the regular brake parts don’t wear out as fast.
Getting to Know Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking enables the electric motor to slow down the vehicle while turning kinetic energy into stored energy in the battery. This process reduces the need to replace brakes, often making it a money-saving feature of EVs.
Regular Brake Checks
Even with the perks of regenerative braking, you should still get your brakes checked often. You should check and change brake fluid as the maker suggests every two years.
Fluid and Filter Maintenance: The Basics
Though electric vehicles have fewer fluids than regular cars, some still need regular upkeep.
Brake Fluid and Coolant
Brake fluid plays a key role in your vehicle’s safe operation. You need to check and replace it to keep your brakes working well. Also, some EVs use coolant to control battery heat, which you might need to replace now and then.
Cabin Air Filters
Electric cars, like other vehicles, have cabin air filters that need replacing every so often. A clean filter keeps the air inside your car fresh and can cut down on allergens and pollutants.
Routine Maintenance Schedule: What to Expect
Setting up a regular maintenance schedule is essential to keep your electric vehicle in great shape. Here’s a basic guide on what you should plan for:
Annual Maintenance
- Tire Rotation: Switch your tires’ positions every 6,000 to 10,000 miles to make them wear .
- Brake Inspection: Look at brake parts and check fluid levels.
- Fluid Checks: Look at brake fluid and coolant levels.
Every Two Years
- Brake Fluid Replacement: Put in new brake fluid to keep brakes working well.
- Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Put in a new cabin air filter to keep air clean inside.
Every Five Years
- Battery Coolant Replacement: Some cars might need new coolant to keep the battery working well.
Cost Considerations: Planning for EV Upkeep
Loan Payment Priority
Your first order of business: make every payment on schedule. Whether through a Rivian finance specialist, for example, or a more traditional loan provider, being timely means no late fees and a seamless ownership experience.
Routine Maintenance Costs
Electric vehicles often cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars. But the price can change based on the make and model. Regular check-ups and small fixes don’t break the bank.
Major Repairs
EV owners might face a big bill if they need to replace the battery. A new one can set you back $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the car. But don’t worry too much – most manufacturers offer warranties that cover the battery for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. This gives owners some peace of mind.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: Striking a Balance
Many EV owners ask themselves if they should do the upkeep on their own or let the pros handle it.
DIY Maintenance
You can handle some basic upkeep tasks, like checking your tires’ air pressure and swapping out the cabin air filters at home. But when it comes to more complicated jobs, such as those dealing with the battery or electrical systems, it’s best to let the experts take care of it.
Professional Services
When you need specialized know-how such as checking the battery or updating software, your best bet is to talk to certified mechanics. Many car makers offer service packages to help make maintenance easier.
The Future of EV Maintenance: Trends to Keep an Eye On
As more people buy electric cars, the way we maintain vehicles is changing.
New Tech Developments
As smart tech in cars grows, many makers now include features for remote checks and upkeep alerts. This tech helps owners keep up with their car’s needs without many trips to the shop.
More Charging Stations Popping Up
As the network for electric cars grows, charging will get easier. This change will make long trips more doable and cut down on worries about finding places to charge.
To Wrap Up: Getting on Board with Electric Cars
Driving an electric car brings many perks, like cheaper upkeep and less harm to the environment. If you know what your EV needs and stay on top of things, you’ll have a great time owning one. Hop on board and enjoy all the good stuff that comes with an electric ride.
