Maintenance Tips For Your Eco-Friendly Electric Car
More people are making the switch to electric vehicles every year. In 2021, 18.5% of newly registered cars were electric vehicles. Electric cars have amazing benefits like better driving experiences, free parking, higher resale value, and reducing pollution. But, like all other cars, you will need to properly maintain your vehicle to give you the best driving experience. Fortunately, maintenance for electric vehicles is relatively less expensive than regular cars. So, here are a few tips to help you keep your electric car.
- Prioritise brake maintenance
Electric vehicles are popular for their smooth braking, known as regenerative braking, which helps keep your brake pads in good shape for an extended period. Comparatively, brake pads in electric vehicles tend to last longer than traditional automobiles. The kinetic energy formed when you step on the brake is converted to electricity which powers your vehicle. To make the most of your car’s brakes and preserve its longevity, ensure that you avoid driving at high speeds. By conserving speed, your car’s battery will last longer and, of course, will also stop you from constantly slamming brakes in case of emergencies.
- Take care of your battery
When you pull into the many electric vehicle charging stations available nationwide, it is advisable not to charge your car battery to the fullest. That’s because overcharging can cause damaging problems in the long run and can wear down your battery early. You also run the risk of leaving it plugged in at 100% for a long time, and that leads to a buildup of internal resistance with time. It would be best if you aimed to charge your car battery to about 80% at all times. Overcharging your battery can also cause it to overheat, reducing its capacity.
- Go for regular servicing
Although electric vehicles do not have many parts compared to traditional vehicles that use petrol or diesel, they require servicing. Ensure that you book your car for regular servicing. For the best results, work with experts in maintaining electric vehicles and have extensive knowledge of these vehicles.
- Avoid extended parking hours under the sun
It’s better to keep your electric vehicle in the shade than under the sun. Why? Because it prolongs the life of your car’s battery. When you park under the sun for a long period, its thermal management system keeps your battery running, thereby reducing its life. You will be at risk of running out of power, especially if you are not near an electric car charger.
- Carry out general maintenance
Standard car maintenance rules apply even for electric cars. These checks can be done at home and do not require professional help. Check your tires to see if they are in good shape, check your vehicle’s coolant levels, and make replacements when necessary. However, if you feel that your vehicle requires expert attention, don’t hesitate to examine it. It will save you a lot of money.
Hopefully, this post will help you with the basics of electric vehicle maintenance and provide you with some of the important things you need to do as a user. If you’re looking to convert, here are some of the best electric vehicles to consider purchasing. Remember that to fully enjoy electric cars’ benefits, you need to ensure that it is well-maintained.
