Electric Car Maintenance: Do Electric Cars Need Maintenance?

Yes, they do! But not as enormous as gas-powered cars!

The upfront cost of an electric car might be too intimidating to some car lovers. But the cost of maintaining an electric vehicle is too tempting! You might pay more in purchasing a brand new electric car (or EV), but the low maintenance it needs will save you a lot of money.

Unlike conventional cars (petrol-based), an electric vehicle needs a minimum of maintenance. It is one of the benefits of owning an EV. Aside from helping the environment clear the air of toxic fumes  from internal combustion engine (ICE) pollution.

Maintenance required by an electric car

The value of an electric vehicle pays very well in the long run. Electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to gas-powered automobiles. They also emit less. In this regard, you ought to have fewer components to manage to keep your EV in good shape at any time.

Here are the main constituents of an EV that need more attention:

Electric car battery

The electric car battery is the most expensive part of the vehicle. This component runs the car as opposed to the ICE of gas-based autos. Your battery charging habits will determine the length of service it may provide you. Here are some tips on how to care for your EV battery. 

• Always keep the battery in a tip-top shape. Keep it charged between 20% and 80% at all times. However, overcharging the battery too often may degrade its efficiency. Consequently, letting the battery in low charge more often will also deteriorate its quality.

Fluids

Regulating the temperature of the battery coolant is required for an EV. The coolant (ethylene glycol) runs through a circulating loop that cools the battery pack and other electronic parts. 

The circulation of the coolant is through a pump. Check the coolant level if it needs an add-on or replacement.

Brake system

An electric car’s braking system is commonly called a regenerative braking system (RBS). Other EV models utilized two types of the braking system; the RBS and the usual drum or discs brakes. In an RBS, the electric motor works as a generator feeding electricity back into the battery pack. The recharging happens once in a while to give the battery added charge.

The process keeps the EV brake pads to last twice longer than ICE cars. However, you have to check them, although not as frequent as gas-powered vehicles.

Tire check

Checking tires on EVs may take more frequently than ordinary cars. Many electric cars are 20% to 30% heavier than ICE vehicles. The battery adds to the weight of the vehicle; putting more pressure on tires. You can check your EV tires once a month and do maintenance if necessary.

Periodic maintenance of an electric car

Like gas-powered vehicles, an electric car needs recurring maintenance, but not as intense as the former. Here is the recommended regular maintenance for electric cars.

• Two times a year

You must clean or flush corrosive materials (such as road salt) on the car undercarriage. You can use plain or tap water.

• Every 7,500 miles

Check the tires, coolant level, power inverter, charger modules, and cabin heater. You can visually check for leaks, the suspension and steering system, and the chassis for any damage. You can also check out the manual for the maintenance required by the manufacturer during this time.

• Every 15,000 miles

The wiper blades on your windshield might need replacement.

• Every 36,000 miles

The air filter cabin may need replacement. Do it more often if needed.

• Every 75,000 miles

Replace the body lift support gas springs.

• Every five years

Change the brake fluid after draining and cleaning the coolant loop.

• Every seven years

Replace the A/C desiccant. The desiccant absorbs moisture inside the air-conditioning system that usually happens during the manufacture of the car. The water (or moisture) may also get into the system during the assembly or service on the unit. The desiccant also prevents corrosion inside the system.