To get the best out of your EV, maintaining and servicing your electric vehicles is pivotal to their performance and longevity.
While in general EVs usually need lower maintenance than traditional vehicles, understanding the nuances of EV maintenance can significantly enhance your driving experience.
With this article we will be expanding upon the various maintenance aspects of an EV and tips for optimum results.
Regular EV Maintenance
An EV doesn’t need any oil changes, exhaust system repairs, and many of the engine issues that come with conventional combustion vehicles.
Does this mean EVs are do not need any maintenance. The answer is NO. Even though an EV needs less maintenance compared to traditional gasoline car.
It still needs maintenance for areas like Tires, brake system, software updates, battery management.
Let’s explore all these aspects step by step.
Tire Maintenance for EVs
Tire maintenance is important part of owning an EVs. You see, EVs are usually heavier than their gasoline counter parts. This is due to the additional weight from the battery packs. Additionally, EV have excellent acceleration due to instant toque provide by their powerful electric motors.
Both these factors put lot of pressure on the tires. Therefore, specific tires are recommended for EVS, which have stronger construction and thicker rubber.
- Regular rotation of tires can ensure even wear, extending their lifespan and help with overall vehicle efficiency.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This help in prolonging tire life and also optimize the vehicle’s range and performance.
- You should periodically check for tread wear and alignment issues to prevent further damages.
- Replace worn out tires as soon as possible
By maintaining your EV tires, you ensure low rolling resistance, which puts less strain on the battery pack.
EV Brake System service and maintenance
EVs come with regenerative braking system, which capture energy when you apply break and transfer it back to battery. This helps extending battery range and longevity of the braking system
Despite the reduced wear from regenerative braking systems, traditional brake components used in the EV brake system still require attention.
- Do periodic inspection of brake pads, brake disks and rotors. Replace worn-out brake pads and disks
- Brake fluid should be checked and replaced at intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer
These steps help maintain optimal braking performance and safety.
Software Updates and Diagnostics
One of the interesting things about EVs with all the electronics onboard. EVs feel like a giant computer on wheels. They are continually improved with software updates.
These updates can enhance battery management, increase efficiency, and even refine the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
- Ensure your EV is up-to-date with the latest software.
- Do diagnostic checks, ideally during regular service appointments. This can pre-emptively identify issues with battery cells, electric motors, or other electronic systems before they lead to breakdowns.
Maximizing Battery Life and Range
Batteries without any doubt are one of the main components in EV. Batteries should be maintained and serviced with utmost importance. Negligence of battery maintenance can even lead to fire hazards.
Here are the battery maintenance and service points to keep in mind.
Optimal Charging practices
- Maintain Optimal Charge Levels – avoid leaving your EV at extremely low or high states of charge for extended periods. It’s generally recommended to keep the battery between 20% and 80% charge when possible. Avoid frequent deep discharges (using until the batteries dies at 0% charge) or charging to 100% unless necessary.
- Minimize Frequent Fast Charging – this is also related to charging habit. You should avoid using fast charging frequently. While fast charging is convenient, it can potentially cause more stress on the battery cells compared to slower charging methods. Avoid frequent use of fast charging unless necessary.
- Maximize Battery Utilization/Avoid charging EV everyday – before plugging in to charge, try to utilize as much of the battery’s capacity as possible. Charge your vehicle when it’s necessary, and not plug the vehicle in as soon as you find an opportunity. This way you can extend your battery life.
- Always use a certified, compatible charger for your EV.
Temperature considerations
- Avoid Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can accelerate battery degradation. Park your EV in shaded areas or garages whenever possible.
- Although EV batteries already have cooling mechanism and thermal management. Efforts from your side can further ensure the optimum health of your EV battery. Keep an eye on the coolant level to ensure that the vehicle battery isn’t getting too hot while driving.
Driving habits: Practice Efficient Driving
Aggression is rarely helpful is any instance of life. EV battery also has similar rules. Aggressive acceleration, high-speed driving, and excessive use of accessories can lead to faster battery degradation.
Adopt an efficient driving style with gradual acceleration and braking to minimize strain on the battery.
Troubleshooting Common EV Issues
Charging Station Compatibility
When you stop to charge your EV at any public charging station. Ensure your vehicle is compatible with the station. Compatibility issues at public charging stations can be frustrating.
Check your vehicle’s charging system firmware is up to date and carry adapters for different types of chargers. You should be familiarized with the charging networks in your area. This can also help you avoid stations known for compatibility issues.
Sensor and Dashboard Alert Response
Modern EVs are equipped with an array of sensors that monitor everything from battery health to tire pressure.
Dashboard lights or alert message is an indication that something needs attention. Understanding the dashboard warning lights in your EV is essential for safe and efficient driving.
Just like the traditional IC vehicles. These lights are categorized by colour.
- Green lights, such as the “Ready to Drive” indicator, signal the vehicle is operational, often needed due to the quiet nature of EVs.
- Amber lights warn of issues requiring attention but not immediate danger, like the “Limited Power” or “Electrical Fault” indicators, suggesting potential problems with the battery or electrical system that could affect performance.
- Red warning lights, including the “Severe Fault” and “Battery Temperature” alerts, signify urgent issues demanding immediate action to prevent safety hazards.
Other important notifications in EVs include – charging status, pedestrian alerts, battery/charge status, Electrical Fault and maintenance reminders.
Always refer to your vehicle’s handbook for specific meanings tailored to your model, and seek professional assistance when necessary.
General EV maintenance schedule you can consider
Mileage/Interval | Maintenance Task |
Monthly | Check the pressure of each tire. |
Analyse each tire for any excess tread wear. | |
Examine the windshield washer fluid and refill if necessary. | |
Every 8,000-11,000 km | Change lubricants for moving parts. |
Rotate tires based on the EV’s body type. | |
Inspect the coolant level and refill if necessary. | |
Check the cabin AC, power inverter, and other electronic components. | |
Inspect steering, brakes, chassis components, and suspension for unusual damage or wear. | |
Check for wear in the driveshaft and power steering. | |
Analyse all lights and replace them if required. | |
After 25,000 km | Inspect transmission fluids. |
Replace cabin air filters. | |
Replace wiper blades. | |
After 48,000 km | Flush out the coolant and replace it. |
Replace the fluid in the power steering. | |
Remove and top-up brake fluids. |
Conclusion
While EVs revolutionize the driving experience with their efficiency and technology, they still demand a level of care and attention to maintain their innovative edge. Regular maintenance and servicing can significantly impact the longevity and Efficiency of your EV. This should be done while being mindful of the unique requirements of electric vehicle care.
By staying proactive about maintenance, you can ensure your EV remains a reliable, efficient, and enjoyable mode of transportation for years to come.
Do you have any questions or have your own tips to share? Feel free to comment below or connect with us. We’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the discussions electric 😛