Electric Car Maintenance – As electric vehicles become more popular, new EV owners need to know how to properly maintain their cars. Electric car maintenance does not require all the same procedures as petrol or diesel vehicles, but some things are still important to consider.
Do electric cars require a lot of maintenance?
Electric cars require a lot less maintenance than a standard vehicle. For instance, electric engines do not need oil changes, fuel filters or spark plugs. Electric car batteries do need to be looked after so they can give excellent performance for years.
How long do electric car batteries last?
Electric car battery maintenance – If your battery is looked after, it will last upwards of 200,000 miles before it needs replacing, by which time you will probably be looking at a replacement vehicle anyway. The projected lifespan of a battery is usually 10-20 years, again depending on usage scenarios and how well it is looked after.
Is electric car maintenance important?
Regular electric car maintenance is vital for keeping your vehicle running at its best. Electric cars may require less maintenance than petrol and diesel vehicles, but they still need some TLC to keep them working in top condition. A monthly visual inspection of the exterior and interior of your electric car is a good place to start.
If you notice any obvious damage, get it repaired as soon as possible.
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What does an EV need when it comes to maintenance?
Despite the complexity of your EV, electric car maintenance isn’t too hard to keep up with. Here are our top tips for keeping your vehicle on the road.
- Check for tyre wear – just like any car, your electric vehicle has tyres that are subject to wear and tear. Regularly check your tyres to ensure they meet the minimum legal requirements. If they are getting close to the limit, get them changed as soon as possible.
- Check tyre pressure – properly inflated tyres ensure a smooth and economical drive. If your tyres are not correctly inflated, the vehicle will be harder to control, and the tyres will be more likely to become damaged. Tyres with low pressure may also damage the rims of your wheels, which can be expensive to repair. Always make sure they’re always inflated according to manufacturer specifications.
- Don’t go for standard tyres – electric vehicles might be able to have standard tyres fitted, but they won’t last as long as tyres designed specifically for electric vehicles.
- Brake fluid – your electric car will need its brake fluid checked regularly and potentially changed every two years on average. Keeping brake fluid topped up is critical for your safety. Without it, your brakes won’t work properly – if at all.
- Coolant – some electric vehicles require coolant for their thermal management system. Keep it topped up in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Windscreen wipers – as with any vehicle, your windscreen wipers need to effectively clear the windscreen. If your wipers have degraded or are not removing water from the screen, it’s time to get some new ones.
- Washer fluid – also known as screen wash. This fluid can be sprayed onto the windscreen to help clear dirt and grime. The more you use it, the more often it needs topping up. Keep a check on your washer fluid levels at all times, but especially in winter.
- Headlights and rear lights – electric cars employ headlights and rear lights just like any other vehicle. If they become damaged or have stopped illuminating, you’re putting yourself (and others) at risk. Replace them when necessary.
- Battery – minimize exposure to extreme temperatures wherever possible and use fast charging only when necessary. Many batteries are designed to last longest at charges between 20 and 80%, so keep this in mind when topping up your charge.
- Drive it – electric cars need to be driven regularly. Driving your car is a great way to keep the electric engine healthy and keep the battery working well. Regular driving will help prevent your electric car from developing problems that could have been prevented with regular use.
Is maintenance on EVs expensive?
In general, electric car maintenance is much less expensive than other vehicles. You need to keep fluids topped up and check your tyres – and that’s about it.
Vehicles in Ireland will usually need an NCT to be driven legally, and electric vehicles are no different. However, electric vehicles won’t be subject to an emissions test, and because they have fewer moving components in the engine than petrol vehicles, they are less likely to need repairs.
The braking system is also often different, as some electric vehicles use regenerative braking. In short, this means there can be less wear and tear on the braking system, again reducing the electric car maintenance cost and repair as you are less likely to need brake pads replaced.
Are electric cars hard to fix?
The common problems with electric cars, most drivers will encounter are easily fixed with a few rare exceptions. In the case of an electrical system fault that affects the dashboard, motor, or other systems within the vehicle, you will need the assistance of a professional – but with the technology present in petrol and diesel vehicles, this would be the same, no matter what you were driving.
Some parts might be more expensive to replace in an electric vehicle, but as there are fewer parts that can go wrong, this isn’t a big concern. Many electric car parts are also built to last, so you can expect them to be with your car for some time. However, it is worth noting that electric vehicles won’t come cheap if they need major repairs – electric engines and batteries simply don’t go wrong as often as traditional engine components, so when they need work done, the cost can be much higher.
Perform electric car maintenance as needed
Although the procedures may differ, electric car maintenance can be viewed in much the same way as a petrol or diesel vehicle. Some tasks need regular completion to keep everything in good working order. Electric car maintenance costs vs Petrol or Diesel? – The electric engine itself will suffer from wear and tear, but electric cars are less likely to develop problems with their engines than other vehicles, as long as they are used regularly. Need advice about Home Charger for Electric Cars or Electric Car Chargers For Office Charging, speak to expert EV charger installers at Electric Car Charger Ireland
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