How to take care of an electric car
Many countries have already transitioned to the broad usage of electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint. As the name suggests, there is no gasoline or diesel engine in an electric vehicle. It is instead propelled by an electric motor and is equipped with rechargeable batteries. Many countries have committed to becoming carbon-free in the near future, and electric vehicles are an important part of that effort.
Since its components are made to run on electricity, an electric car requires a different maintenance than other conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about electric vehicle maintenance.
10 tips to take care of your electric car
Having an electric automobile is becoming ever more tempting due to its sustainability and to avoid unpredictable fuel prices. While electric car maintenance is not as extensive as the maintenance for a gasoline-powered vehicle, it is nevertheless necessary to keep an electric car running safely and efficiently.
Here are top car maintenance tips to keep your electric vehicle in good working order:
1. Regular appointments
Although electric vehicles have fewer parts to maintain than gasoline or diesel vehicles, such as oil levels or fuel filters, they still require a lot of care and attention. It’s critical to schedule appointments for your electric car as frequently as you would for a standard internal combustion vehicle. It is advantageous to work with a garage that has experience with electric car maintenance.
2. Home charging station
Along with electric car service, you’ll need to keep your at-home electric car charging station in pristine condition. Fortunately, most electric car home chargers require little or no maintenance and can run for 10 years or more if taken care of.
Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging systems are the three primary types of electric car battery chargers you’ll find on the market. Each one necessitates its specific upkeep. Damp cloths and dish detergent can be used to clean Level 1 ESVE units. You may also have to update the commercial-grade outlet if it wears down. Certified electricians should be able to do so for less than $ 200.
Level 2 EVSE systems are often modular, allowing you to change OEM components rather than buying and installing a new charging station. Level 2 units can be cleaned in the same way as Level 1 units. Because they are equipped with unique cooling systems and components not found in Level 1 or 2 units, DC Fast Charging stations require extra maintenance. However, the majority of DCFC stations are for commercial use.
3. Battery care
The majority of electric cars contain a 12-volt battery. This primarily powers components such as the car alarm, the entertainment system, and the locking systems. Typically, electric car batteries have a 3-5 year life expectancy so be sure to get these checked and replaced often. If you suspect battery degradation, have it checked by a mechanic so you can replace it before it leaves you on the side of the road.
The main electric car battery, however, has a far longer life expectancy. Indeed, we’ve heard of numerous electric vehicles that are still running after ten years and 100,000 kilometers. However, just like any other battery, battery performance will degrade over time and cells will need to be replaced.
Most automakers give electric vehicle battery packs an eight-year guarantee and replace them for free if they lose 2/3 of their original capacity. Replacing the battery components may not be as difficult or expensive as you may think.
4. Brakes Care
Because the regenerative braking system uses resistance from the electric motor to slow the car down, an electric car is expected to be gentler on the braking system than a normal car. As a result, it consumes discs and pads at a slower rate.
However, because electric vehicles are heavier than gasoline and diesel vehicles, the brakes have to work harder when they are used, therefore the rate of wear may not be dramatically different. The driver’s behavior ultimately influences the wearing of this element.
EV brake systems, like any automotive brake systems, require regular fluid changes by a certified mechanic every two years. However, it’s a good idea to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir regularly to ensure there are no malfunctions or leaks in the system.
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5. Fluids
In certain electric vehicles, air is used to keep the primary battery pack cool, but liquid coolant is used in the majority of them. Because the liquid is likely to be enclosed in a sealed chamber, only a professional with experience working with high-voltage systems should perform an inspection on them.
Electric vehicles include tanks for windshield washer fluid that can be monitored and topped up by their owners. We recommend applying an antifreeze-based combination to keep it from freezing in sub-zero extreme temperatures.
6. Coolant System
Most electric vehicles have sophisticated thermal management or cooling systems in place to help reduce temperatures and reduce the load on the battery. For example, the Chevrolet Bolt has a rechargeable energy storage coolant system, which consists of a series of cooling plates beneath the electric vehicle’s battery pack. This technology keeps the electric vehicle’s battery at the right temperature, extending the battery’s overall life.
A check of the coolant system, as well as coolant or antifreeze flushes, should be part of your regular electric car maintenance. Always consult your owner’s handbook for information on coolant system maintenance and what sort of coolant to use for your electric vehicle.
7. Car Lights
Replacing blown bulbs on your electric car should, in most situations, be a straightforward five-minute job, just like it is on most conventional automobiles. However, more advanced models with LED light units may require the assistance of a qualified technician. It’s usually a good idea to double-check the instructions in your car’s owner’s manual before proceeding.
8. Wheel Alignment
It’s time to get your electric vehicle’s wheels balanced if you find it pulling to one side or shaking when accelerating. A wheel balance, also known as tire alignment, is the process of adjusting the angles of your wheels to fit the original manufacturer’s standards.
An electric car’s travel distance will improve with proper wheel alignment, and tire tread wear will be reduced, extending the life of your tires. This should be done at least once a year, or every 25 000 km, to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on new tires before they wear out.
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9. Tires
It’s a good idea to inspect your car’s tires for tread wear and sidewall deterioration once a week. By recognizing a nick in the rubber or a nail in the tread before it turns into a puncture, you can avoid a roadside breakdown. Since electric cars are heavier, their tires must be able to withstand high instant torque, leading to higher tire wear. Electric cars need tires with stronger composites and more robust rubber compounds.
This explains in part why electric car tires are more expensive to replace than standard ones. The price of a tire is determined by the number of units manufactured, so tires that are used on a variety of car models are less expensive than those used on fewer vehicles.
10. Underbody
Electric cars also enjoy a little pampering from time to time. Rinsing the undercarriage of your vehicle will remove road salt, mud, and other debris that slowly but surely decrease the value of your vehicle. The underbody of your car is exposed to a lot of filth and it’s in your best interest to prevent rust from spreading.
Hybrid and all-electric vehicles are treated for rust in the same way gas-powered vehicles are whether the components are made of steel or aluminum. The majority of rust issues can be avoided by regularly inspecting your car, following a washing routine, and applying an anti-rust treatment once a year.
The best rust proofing service is provided by Antirouille Champlain. Don’t wait any longer to properly maintain your vehicle. If you live in Quebec or Trois-Rivières and are interested in rust protection services, we are your best ally.