Understanding Electric Car Maintenance Basics
Although you may be a fairly experienced car owner, electric cars can be a new challenge for owners. When it comes to electric car maintenance, some people may wonder, do you need to maintain an electric vehicle? The simple answer is yes. All cars need to have regular maintenance and service to stay in good shape. If you've never owned an electric vehicle before though or aren't familiar with how to take care of it, these are some basic tips to get started.
Essential Electric Vehicle Maintenance Basics
- Battery Checks
An electric car depends heavily on having a battery that's in good shape so it's essential to perform regular battery checks. A certified EV mechanic and technician will be able to check the fluid levels, openings, and connections while also reviewing the basic health of the battery. Most electric vehicle batteries will be able to run at least 100,000 miles with regular service. However, make sure that you avoid parking the car for too long, don't expose it to extreme heat or cold, and maintain it to keep it in good shape.
- Coolant System
The electric vehicle will have a thermal management or cooling system in place in order to keep the temperature consistent and avoid putting too much strain on the battery. When you have your routine EV maintenance, make sure that they check the coolant system as well as perform coolant and antifreeze flushes. Since schedules and types of coolant can vary, check your owner's manual to determine when this task needs to be completed.
- Wheel Alignment
Just like any other vehicle, electrical vehicles also need to have wheel alignment completed on a regular basis. If you notice that the car is pulling to the side or shaking, the alignment will adjust the wheels back to their original specifications. Proper service on an electric car improves its mile rage and will keep the tires in good shape. This maintenance should be done at least once a year or every 15,000 miles if you drive more often. This can help save you money on new tires.
- Underbody Wash
Car washes aren't just for regular vehicles. The normal road salt, oil, and other chemicals can damage the undercarriage of the vehicle. Rust can easily happen, especially in winter weather. If you drive an EV in a colder weather climate, make sure that you're getting regular carwashes. Bring your vehicle after every big snow storm. Having a membership at a local car wash can end up saving the vehicle in the long run.
- EV Charging Station Maintenance
If you charge your electric car at home, your at-home charging station also needs maintenance over time. Most home chargers for electric cars will last for about 10 years and don't need regular maintenance or replacement though. There are three levels of EV chargers such as Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging systems. For level 1 units, these can be cleaned with a damp cloth and dish detergent. You may also have to replace the outlet periodically and an electrician can do this fairly inexpensively.
Level 2 stations are modularly designed and will allow you to replace the components rather than having to purchase and install an entirely new station yourself. The same cleaning technique as level 1 can also be applied to level 2 units.
Finally, DC fast charging chargers do require more upkeep. They are fitted with unique cooling systems and components that you won't find in level 1 or 2 units. Most of these charging stations are for commercial use so it's not common to use this for residential use. With these units, you'll want to have a qualified technician perform regular service to keep it running optimally.
Get the Parts You Need
We know that your electric vehicle is important which is why at Partsmax Auto Parts and Accessories, we want to keep it in top shape. As the largest auto parts warehouse in Florida, we offer aftermarket auto parts and top quality auto accessories. Take a look at our website where you can easily purchase parts online or visit us in person. We want our customers to be happy so we'll work hard for your business.