The Essential Guide to EV Maintenance: Keep Your Electric Car Running Like New

Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the automotive industry, offering an eco-friendly alternative that’s both powerful and efficient. However, as with any vehicle, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure peak performance, longevity, and safety. In this guide, we’ll explore why EV maintenance differs from that of traditional cars, and provide essential tips to help you keep your electric car running smoothly for years to come. One of the main reasons EVs require less maintenance is their simplicity. A traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) can have hundreds of moving parts, from pistons and valves to belts and hoses. Electric motors, by contrast, feature far fewer components.

• No Engine Oil: EVs don’t need regular oil changes, since there’s no conventional engine to lubricate.
• Fewer Filters: While some EVs still have cabin air filters and coolants for batteries, they lack oil filters, fuel filters, and other ICE components.

With fewer parts rubbing against each other, there’s less friction inside an electric motor. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the number of components that can break or wear down over time. If the electric motor is the muscle of your EV, the battery is its heart. Proper battery maintenance ensures consistent range, faster charging, and better overall performance.

• Avoid Frequent 100% Charges: Regularly charging to 100% can put extra stress on the battery cells, accelerating degradation. Aim for 80-90% for daily use, and reserve full charges for road trips when you need maximum range.
• Don’t Let It Drop Too Low: Deep discharges (letting the battery get close to 0%) can also harm battery health. Keeping the state of charge above 20% is generally recommended.
• Use Fast Charging Sparingly: While DC Fast Charging is convenient, constant use can heat up the battery, potentially speeding up degradation. Balance your charging routine with slower Level 2 charging when possible.

Extreme hot or cold temperatures can impact your EV’s battery. Most modern EVs come with built-in thermal management systems to maintain optimal battery temperature. Still, you can help by parking in shaded areas during scorching summers or in a garage during harsh winters. Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking. This not only extends your range but also reduces wear on traditional brake components. Because regenerative braking handles a portion of the stopping force, your brake pads and rotors experience less stress. This means they’ll last longer compared to those in traditional cars. Nonetheless, periodic inspections are essential:

• Visual Checks: Inspect brake pads and rotors for signs of excessive wear or rust buildup.
• Fluid Levels: Even though usage is reduced, brake fluid can still degrade over time, so check and replace it at intervals recommended by your EV’s manufacturer.

While EVs don’t have a conventional engine cooling system, they do have thermal management setups to regulate battery and cabin temperature. Keeping these systems in good condition is crucial for both battery health and passenger comfort. Many EVs use a liquid coolant to maintain an optimal battery temperature. Over time, this coolant can degrade or become contaminated:

• Check Coolant Levels: Periodically inspect coolant reservoirs and refill or replace as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Watch for Leaks: Leaks can compromise battery performance and pose a safety risk.

Electric cars rely on energy from the battery to heat and cool the cabin. Ensuring these systems function efficiently helps maintain range and comfort:

• Filter Replacements: The cabin air filter should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule to ensure clean airflow.
• System Checks: If you notice poor heating or cooling, schedule a diagnostic with a certified technician to ensure everything is working properly.

Tires are often one of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance, yet they’re critical for safety and efficiency. EVs, due to their instant torque and heavier battery packs, can put more strain on tires, making routine checks essential. Underinflated tires lead to increased rolling resistance, which can reduce your EV’s range and compromise handling. Check your tire pressure monthly or before long trips, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Due to the weight distribution of EVs, certain tires may wear more quickly than others. Rotate your tires according to the recommended schedule to ensure even wear. Replacing them when tread depth becomes too shallow is essential for traction and safety. Modern electric vehicles often feature advanced software systems that control everything from battery management to infotainment. Regular updates are vital for the best performance: Some EV manufacturers offer over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing you to receive new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements without visiting a service center. Keeping your software current ensures your EV runs smoothly and efficiently. Your EV may provide notifications about system checks or potential issues. Pay attention to dashboard warnings or smartphone app alerts, and schedule a service appointment if needed. Even though electric cars typically require less upkeep, it’s wise to follow the service schedule recommended by your manufacturer. These checkups can include:

• Battery Health Assessments: Technicians evaluate battery capacity and look for any signs of degradation or damage.
• Brake Inspections: Ensuring the braking system remains in good condition despite regenerative braking reducing its usage.
• Suspension and Steering Checks: EVs can be heavier than traditional cars, so confirming these components remain in optimal shape is essential.
• Cooling System and Fluid Checks: Confirming that all thermal management systems are functioning correctly.

A well-maintained electric vehicle retains its value better and can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Plus, most EVs come with an extensive battery warranty, often lasting eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)—whichever comes first. Proper maintenance not only keeps you within warranty conditions but can also make your EV more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell it later. Keep detailed records of all maintenance and service visits. This proves to future buyers (and your warranty provider) that you’ve followed proper procedures, boosting confidence in the vehicle’s reliability. Regular battery health assessments and software updates can preserve capacity, ensuring your EV still meets range expectations. Document any capacity changes to monitor its performance over time. Maintaining an electric vehicle is simpler in many ways than caring for a conventional car, yet it still requires attention to a few critical areas. By focusing on battery preservation, brake checks, tire upkeep, and software updates, you can keep your EV running like new for years to come. Embrace these best practices, and you’ll enjoy the smooth, efficient driving experience that makes electric cars stand out as the future of transportation.