What Maintenance Does An Electric Car Need?

One of the best things about electric vehicles is that they have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. Which means less things to maintain. You won’t find pistons, spark plugs, air filters, fuel lines, radiators, and oil changes when you own an electric vehicle. Even better, your purchase has zero emissions. As more manufacturers remain committed to having entirely electric EV catalogs in the 2030s, such as Chevy, you’ll see plenty of them on Mineral Wells roads and highways.

Despite having a lower cost of ownership for Graham drives, you’ll still need to perform maintenance on electric cars over the years you own one. But thankfully these maintenances are simple and for the most part routine. Find out more about electric car maintenance from the experts at Bayer Chevrolet, then once you’re done, schedule service today and let our team do the hard part for you.

Is It Expensive to Maintain an EV?

An EV is a great long-term investment for Eastland drivers with fantastic upsides, including reduced maintenance costs. They generally have fewer parts, but they are still complicated machines. Many of the upkeep maintenance costs you’re used to with an internal combustion engine aren’t found in an EV.

Say goodbye to:

• Oil changes 
• Gasket replacements 
• Cooling system flushes
• Belt replacements
• Spark plugs

You’ll need to make sure the vehicle’s software is up-to-date because the complex computer that maintains the vehicle will need periodic improvements to its operational program. The overall goal is to monitor the performance of the EV battery. Think of your EV battery like you do your phone: never go out with a low battery. Driving around consistently on a low battery will lead to a reduced charge and diminished gains over time, and you’ll lower your battery’s overall effectiveness. 

Do electric cars need maintenance? Yes, they do. But not as much as internal combustion engines.

What Maintenance Does an Electric Car Need?

This includes familiar tasks such as rotating the tires, replacing various fluids, and changing out cabin air filters. There are also a number of EV-specific services that drivers of these battery-electric vehicles need to keep on top of.

Brake Fluid

EVs don’t wear their brakes as often as internal combustion vehicles because of regenerative braking. However, you might need a certified technician to lubricate the braking system once a year to make sure they work properly. Brake fluid is normally clear. If you look at the reservoir and the brake fluid is a rust color, it’s time to change it. The best thing you can do is bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection annually.

Tires

EVs are a bit heavier than internal combustion engines. As such, tires typically wear out faster. Inspect the tread on your tires every six months. You might need to replace tires every 30,000 miles, depending on your tires and how often you drive. Normal tires might need to be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. However, your overall costs of ownership are still lower than internal combustion vehicles.

Battery Maintenance

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States predicts EV batteries will have service lives between 12 and 15 years in moderate climates. Extreme environments may reduce the service life to between 8 and 12 years. It’s a good idea to avoid driving in extreme temperatures, although your EV has cooling and heating systems to regulate the temperature of the battery. 

Wiper Fluid and Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers generally last about six months. Keep an eye on them once in the spring and once in the fall. Use this inspection time to look at the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. Make sure it’s filled up, and use fluid geared for de-icing in the winter for better visibility when it’s icy and snowy.

Test Drive an Electric Vehicle at Bayer Chevrolet!

Ready to experience a luxury EV? Want to make sure that you’re the talk of the town while you’re cruising in your brand-new EV? Then contact us today to get behind the wheel. Our team will work with you to make sure that you’re getting the most out of the latest EV, and that starts with plenty of new vehicle specials to save you money.