What Maintenance Do EVs Need?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing how we think about vehicle maintenance. Their straightforward design, with fewer moving parts, is a notable departure from the complexity of traditional vehicle maintenance. This also benefits your finances since you may pay 30-50% less for maintenance than you would for a regular car. Although EVs may not need as many services, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal operation.

EV Maintenance Items

Although EVs are relatively simple to maintain, they have essential parts that require careful attention. An EV’s battery must be checked frequently to ensure efficient operation. Despite the energy-saving systems in EVs, their brakes regularly require checks for safety and efficacy.

Cooling systems are crucial for EV performance and require periodic checks. Certain components, such as tires and air filters, are the same in both EVs and conventional cars. But EVs also have unique parts that require special attention.

The frequency of brake fluid changes may vary significantly depending on the type of EV. For instance, the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 requires new brake fluid every 60,000 miles, while the Chevrolet Bolt can go 150,000 miles before needing brake fluid replacement. Tesla recommends inspections every two years and replacing parts if necessary.

EVs usually require a new air conditioner drying bag every three to six years. Since EVs are built simpler than gas cars, they’re frequently easier to maintain, which can save you time and money.

Battery Maintenance and Care

The battery is a central component of an EV. It usually lasts eight to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, but regular maintenance can extend its longevity. Many car manufacturers offer extended warranties. EV batteries frequently lose about 2.3% of their power each year. If your EV’s range is 150 miles on a full charge, it may lose about 17 miles of range in five years.

The way in which you charge your vehicle also has a significant impact. Although fast DC charging is convenient, it may affect your battery’s longevity if used frequently. To keep your battery healthy and increase its life span, you should try to maintain a charge of between 20% and 80% for daily use.

Extreme heat and cold can significantly impact your battery’s performance, highlighting the importance of weather considerations in EV maintenance. When possible, park your car where it’s not affected by extreme weather conditions, and check your battery periodically. These inspections can help identify issues early and ensure the optimal operation of your EV.

Brake System Maintenance

EVs feature an innovative energy recovery system. This intelligent system efficiently recovers 70% of the energy that’s often lost when stopping and reduces brake pad and rotor wear. Brake maintenance is vital to ensure optimal safety and a smooth driving experience. Your braking system should be inspected every 7,500 miles to help identify and address problems before they escalate.

In regions with salt-treated roads, your vehicle’s braking system require additional attention. To help your brakes last longer, you can consider investing in brake lube, which will cost you about $100. The brake fluid replacement intervals will depend on your specific EV. While the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 needs a brake fluid change every 60,000 miles, the Chevrolet Bolt’s is only due at 150,000 miles. Tesla recommends checks every two years and replacements as required. EV brakes may develop disc corrosion due to infrequent friction brake use. Some manufacturers recommend occasional hard braking to keep the rotors in optimal conditions.

Although EVs typically require less brake maintenance than gas-powered cars, you should still monitor them closely. Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and address any issues quickly to keep your braking system in optimal condition. Well-maintained brakes improve your vehicle’s performance while keeping you and your passengers safe on the road.

Cooling System Maintenance

EVs rely on an intricate temperature regulation system to keep the battery, motor, and power electronics at the right temperature. Maintaining these components is crucial for your EV’s operation and longevity. The coolant replacement schedules of different manufacturers vary. Check your car’s owner’s manual to find out when you should change the coolant.

Regularly check for indications of potential cooling system issues, which include overheating, coolant drips underneath your car, an excessively high temperature, and frequent coolant addition. This may indicate an issue with the water pump, thermostat, radiator, coolant level, or cooling fans. Regular inspections can help prevent small problems from turning into significant issues. This ensures the optimal performance of your EV.

If you suspect an issue with the cooling system, you can check various factors. Inspect the coolant level to identify any potential leaks. You can also determine the maximum pressure the radiator cap can withstand, ensure that the fans are working correctly, and check the hoses and belts for wear. Some EVs use specialized heat pump systems for heating and cooling to help save energy. Regular cooling system maintenance ensures the optimal battery operation and longevity of your EV.

Tire Care and Rotation

EVs present distinct tire maintenance challenges. Their robust build and rapid power output can accelerate tire wear, requiring regular maintenance and tire rotations. Rotation intervals depend on the car type. The Ford Mustang Mach-E requires tire rotation every 10,000 miles while this should be done every 5,000 miles for the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Tesla Model S requires a tire rotation every 6,250 miles.

Maintaining optimal tire pressure is crucial for safety and energy efficiency. Proper inflation can extend your EV’s range by 3%-7%. This is significant since tire drag can consume up to 23% of the total power. Tire replacement is recommended when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch to ensure optimal operation and safety.

The specialized low-resistance tires of EVs can extend their range by an additional 3%-5% compared to regular tires. Some EV manufacturers use tires with foam or sound-absorption technology to reduce road noise. Regular maintenance, including proper alignment and balancing, ensures safety on the road. It also enhances the efficiency of the car’s power-saving brake system.

Maintain the Optimal Performance of Your EV With Boucher Auto Group

Since the popularity of EVs has increased significantly, proper maintenance is imperative for enhancing their longevity. At Boucher Auto Group, our qualified technicians will check your car’s battery health and advise you on appropriate maintenance to ensure your EV’s optimal condition.

Regular EV maintenance preserves its value and potentially saves you money in the long run. If your EV requires a service, contact us to talk to one of our team members to schedule an appointment.

Image by Michael Fousert | Licensed with Unsplash License