With the cost of gas prices on the rise, many are making the switch to electric vehicles. While it may seem like a good decision for your wallet, you should know that electric cars require regular maintenance. These include tasks such as changing out the cabin air filters, rotating the tires, and replacing various fluids. Drivers of battery-operated electric vehicles need to keep up with a number of services that are specific to such cars.
Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about electric car maintenance.
Stay Away from Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can harm batteries. Automakers take this into consideration while developing their EVs. They fit them with the required auxiliary heating and cooling systems so that the battery’s temperature is kept at acceptable levels. Thus, it is recommended to steer clear of extreme temperatures.
Try Not to Charge or Deplete the Battery Fully
Batteries tend to wear down more quickly when they are fully charged or discharged. Some manufacturers prevent batteries from being charged to their full capacity to protect them against degradation. Many cars have settings to charge less than the 100 percent level, and most automakers suggest charging your car’s battery for daily use only up to an 85- or 90-percent level.
Check the Cooling System and Wiper Fluid
For EVs that use coolant or other liquids, flushing and recharging the system is necessary. For example, the Ford and Mustang owner manuals recommend that Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners check the cooling system strength and level and the integrity of cooling system hoses every six months. Porsche recommends that the Taycan owners check coolant levels during routine service.
No matter what type of car you have, it’s important to keep the windshield washer fluid tank filled and replace worn-out windshield wipers.
Avoid Using Fast Chargers All the Time
Fast chargers may be convenient, but they can damage battery packs more quickly than slower chargers do. If you’re on a road trip, fast charging is required and can’t always be avoided. However, if you buy an EV and plan on fast charging it exclusively, it isn’t a good idea from both a cost and battery life perspective.
The cost of charging an EV is three to four times higher than the price you pay for electricity at home, so EVs can be just as expensive to fuel as traditional cars.
