There is an evident increase in the number of people switching from their regular internal combustion engines to the electric vehicles. If you’re considering the switch, taking into account the relief from stress of the fluctuating fuel prices, spark plug replacement, need for regular fluid fills or filter changes and other benefits like less environmental impact with zero tailpipe emissions, no exhaust system, easy maintenance and no-noise rides, is could be a recommended choice.
How Do Electric Cars Work?
Electric cars are different based on their electric motors that are replacements of the combustion engine in traditional vehicles. These electric cars work as the rechargeable batteries power their electric motors, which in turn, moves the wheels. The battery is charged by plugging it to a charging station or by taking electricity from a wall outlet.
Do Electric Cars Need Maintenance?
Yes, electric cars, like all other motor or automatic vehicles, need regular maintenance for their proper functioning and long life. You can refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations for your electric car maintenance and service schedules.
These electric cars, also known as all-electric vehicles(AEVs), have an altogether different mechanism of operation, requiring specific maintenance measures and tips for the owner to enjoy the good rides.
What Maintenance Is Required for Electric Cars?
As opposed to combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have far less number of moving parts and fewer fluids to change, because of which their maintenance need diminishes in comparison.
The regenerative braking system of electric cars also allows them to last a little longer than the traditional ones. With their different technological build, their electrical components like battery, electric motor and other electronic components require minimal scheduled maintenance.
Here are 4 Tips for Electric Car Maintenance
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Proper Powertrain Inspection
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Keep a Check on the Battery
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Understand your Brakess
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Regular Tire Maintenance
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Follow Efficient Fluids Check
The electric motors form one of the crucial components of the electric car working mechanism. With lesser complexity and fewer parts (like no timing belt, spark plug, radiator, piston, etc.) from the traditional engines, the electric motors need less frequent service/maintenance visits. Book from a professional service centre and get your electric motor checked at recommended intervals, strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s schedules. The electric cars omit the fluid change because of their sealed direct-drive system, but there are exceptions! From the several interesting, fun facts about electric cars, one is that the Tesla Model S mentions a service requirement for its transmission fluid every 12 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Electric vehicle owners must understand the complexity associated with their car battery’s proper maintenance. The working condition and performance of the electric car battery pack will have a direct effect on the car’s longevity.
Your car is drawing its life from its batteries. Electric vehicles today mostly use nickel-metal-hydride, lithium-ion or related battery type. All batteries have a limited lifespan, and their strength and efficiency decrease gradually as well. You can follow the tips mentioned below for proper maintenance of your electric vehicle’s most expensive, critical and largest component, the battery.
Avoid Overcharging
It might be difficult to resist the regular temptation of having the battery fully charged at all times. It would be best if you keep this temptation at bay because overcharging can cause serious problems for your car.
Along with overcharging, it is also not advised that you keep wearing down your battery power very often. Do not leave your car undercharged or with zero battery charge for long(more than two weeks). You can keep both sides balanced with the recommended battery charge of 80%.
Electric car batteries have come a long way having 5-years to about 10-20 years warranty. With several manufacturers today offering 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their batteries, you can keep track of your dealer’s specifications about your car’s battery life and warranties.
Regenerative braking or regen is the term associated with the braking system of electric vehicles. This term signifies the braking system where the kinetic energy of the car is converted to the chemical energy of the car battery. The brakes thus work in two ways, to brake and produce electricity.
Lifting off the pedal will employ the regen braking in your electric vehicle. Braking regularly while harsh driving might damage your brake pads and discs and braking hard will cause further damage. You need to be aware of your surroundings and keep a check on your driving speed to avoid such harm.
Electric vehicles exert a substantial amount of pressure on their wheels with their considerable body weight and the instant torque from the brakes. It is crucial to maintain the correct tire inflation pressure. Regular tire rotation, keeping a check on the tire pressure and their proper alignment forms a part of the tire for proper electric car maintenance.
Electric cars have fewer fluids as compared to conventional engines. Check your owner’s manual to be aligned with your car’s fluid requirements like the windshield wipers, air conditioning refrigerant and brake fluids.
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