With the strides in technology and the ever-increasing sales of electric vehicles, it becomes vital for steps to be taken on how best to maintain the vehicles to ensure efficiency is achieved. Electric vehicles still come with certain important maintenance processes, even though they are less maintenance demanding than the gasoline motor vehicles. Below are some of the important ways of ensuring that electric vehicle remains ever healthy.
Consistent Software Renewals
Today’s electric cars are highly computerized, with software controlling everything including the battery and even the driver assistance systems. For this reason, they are updated frequently. People are encouraged to install revisions to their version of the program as they resolve problems, improve security and optimize the operation of your software. Therefore, make sure to check the interface or application of the vehicle for any new updates and download them to enhance the functionality of the Electric Vehicle.
Taking Care of the Battery
An electric vehicle is anchored on the battery hence the necessity of taking care of the battery for better functionality:
- Avoid Very High Charging Rates: It might seem obvious to charge the ‘EV’ to 100%, but maintaining the charge within 20-80% would help improve the lifespan of the battery.
- Regulate Temperatures: Batteries react differently in varying temperatures. If you can, try to keep your EV in the shade when it’s hot and do not take it out in extremely low temperatures.
Proper Care of the Tires
The tires on electric cars frequently differ in terms of wear because of the weight and immediate output of torque. Below are some helpful tips on the maintenance:
- Sustained Check-ups: As a result of the fact that EV’s are more prone to low tyre pressure and decline in efficiency and handling, consider routinely checking the wheel down pressure.
- Rotation and Alignment: Change the position of your tires at an interval of 5,000 to 7,500 miles to Avoid even and excessive wear of the tires and also Ensure the tires are properly aligned, pull of the vehicle which may lead to the tires wearing out unevenly or when there is misalignment of the tires.
Attention to The Brake System
Regenerative brakes are employed in electric vehicles as a result the brake pads may last longer. However, monitoring the brake system remains relevant:
- Check Brake Fluid: Monitor the brake fluid level and change it as directed by the manufacturer.
- Hear sounds: There may be abnormal sounds when one steps on the brakes and this may warn that brake pads need to be changed.
Cooling System Maintenance
EVs are built with cooling systems to control the battery and other systems temperatures. Thus it requires good maintenance.
- Coolant Level Check: The coolant level should be checked and it should be replaced as per the advice of the manufacturer.
- Look for Any Signs of Leakages: Investigate the presence of any coolant leak or overheating problems and fix it in time to protect your battery from damage.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
As is the case with conventional cars, replacement of cabin air filters in electric vehicles must be carried out to ensure that occupants of the car are not adversely affected by the air quality within it. Check the owner’s manual as to the frequency of changeover, typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Exterior Care
The exterior of your electric vehicle is as vital, and thus it should also be taken care of:
- Washing: It is advisable to regularly perform cleansing onto the surfaces of the vehicle to avoid damage on the painting and finishing of the vehicle. Frequent washing helps in reducing the accumulation of dust, dirt, or any other toxic particles.
- Use of wax: You may also recommend the use of wax on the car after every six months for additional protection of the car’s paint and aesthetics.
