Top 10 Routine Maintenance Tasks Every EV Owner Should Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) may have fewer moving parts than their petrol and diesel counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Staying on top of your EV car maintenance ensures your vehicle runs smoothly, keeps you safe and can even extend battery life. What’s more, maintenance for EV cars is often easier and cheaper than you think.

Here we explain the top 10 things you can do to keep your car in great condition:

1. Check Your Tyres Regularly

EVs weigh in heavier than petrol and diesel cars because of their large batteries which can increase wear and tear on the tyres. Check tyre pressures regularly and rotate their positions as recommended by your manufacturer. Good tyre maintenance can improve handling and even extend range.

2. Keep An Eye On The Brake Pads

Thanks to regenerative braking, a system that recovers energy lost during braking and recycles it to charge the battery, maintenance for EV cars often involves fewer brake pad replacements. But they still wear out over time. Have them checked during regular servicing to keep them in great condition.

3. Top Up Fluids

EVs don’t require oil changes, but they do have various fluids that need to be kept topped up. These include windscreen washer, brake fluid and coolant for thermal management systems. Check levels regularly, especially in colder weather.

4. Monitor Battery Health

EV lithium batteries are incredibly advanced and are expected to last the lifespan of the vehicle, but they’re not infallible and all have a limited number of charging cycles. While most have built-in diagnostics, it’s a good idea to get an EV technician to give it the once-over annually.

5. Update Software

Most EVs are set up to receive safety and performance software updates over the air. Make sure your vehicle is set up to receive these automatically. If it’s not, you can get your dealership to do it for you.

6. Inspect Charging Equipment

If you have installed a charging point at home, check every so often that it’s in good repair with no wear and tear. A faulty or frayed charging cable may not only stop your EV from charging properly it can also be dangerous too.

7. Keep The Undercarriage Clean

Salt and grime can build up on the underside of your car, especially during the winter months, which can lead to corrosion. Make sure to give it a rinse off with a pressure washer to keep it in good condition.

8. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The air filter in the cabin helps keep the air you breathe whilst driving nice and clean. This should be replaced every two to three years, depending on usage or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Listen For Unusual Noises

EVs are much quieter than your average combustion engine car, so if you hear any bumps, grinds and noises that weren’t previously there, then get them checked out by an EV specialist. Early intervention can help reduce the overall maintenance cost for EV cars.

10. Schedule Regular EV Services

While there’s plenty you can do to keep your EV running smoothly, you’re probably not an EV technician, so it pays to visit one for your regular annual service. Even with fewer moving parts, EVs still benefit from a professional eye. Choose a garage that specialises in EVs as they know what to look for, especially with advanced driver assistance systems and battery cooling.

Maintenance for EV cars might look a little different from petrol or diesel vehicles, but it’s just as important to stay on top of it. Not only does it keep your EV running efficiently, it helps you avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. The overall maintenance cost for EV cars tends to be lower, too, so it shouldn’t break the bank either.

Is your EV vehicle in need of repair? Click here to get a free repair cost estimate from the EvolveArc team!

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