Electric cars do not require oil changes, spark plugs or fuel filters-but this does not mean that they are maintenance-free. Although electric cars are easier to maintain than internal combustion engine cars, every car needs regular TLC to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips to help you keep your EV in top condition.
Keep your car in pristine condition: Check out these eco-friendly car maintenance tips
Although low temperatures will reduce the range of electric vehicles, high temperatures will shorten the service life of their battery packs. If possible, park your car indoors or in a cool place to protect your car from natural disasters.
Although public fast chargers are convenient, they are also bad for your car’s battery. If they are essential elements of your EV charging program, your vehicle battery may need to be replaced earlier than expected. That said, car batteries are designed to charge these powerful ones occasionally, so if you are on a road trip, don't worry about fast chargers causing excessive wear and tear on your car. A slower but healthier way to charge the battery of an electric car is to use a level 2 household charger or a 110-volt drip charger.
Experts recommend keeping the battery level of electric vehicles between 20% and 80%. If your car is overcharged or undercharged, it may put unnecessary stress on the battery. Fortunately, most electric vehicles have settings that allow you to choose how much power you want to charge the vehicle.
In addition to these EV-specific maintenance tips, it is also important to remember other important vehicle maintenance tasks. Flush the coolant circuit and brake fluid approximately every five years, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. As a general guideline, it is best to replace the wiper blades every 15,000 miles and the air-conditioning filter every 36,000 miles. It is also a good idea to check the tire pressure once a month and visually inspect it. Check them for cracks, bumps and blisters.
Need more maintenance skills? Check out the handy guide to get your car clean quickly.
Kimiko Kidd is a native of Dayton. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She likes her trusted old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB and an old Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can find watercolor paintings, bake muffins, collect stones, play old-fashioned Nintendo games, write novels, sew stuffed animals, and play her favorite Crazy Max character. Check out more articles by Kimiko.