What do I need to maintain on an electric vehicle?
What do I need to maintain on an electric vehicle?
All cars need maintenance from time to time. It’s well-known what combustion engine-cars require; oil filters, replacement fluids and the occasional clutch that might need to be switched out to ensure a car performs at its best. However, with electric vehicles, things are a little different. They still require mechanical upkeep, of course, but how this is done is quite a change from a petrol or diesel car.
So what do you actually need to do to keep an electric car maintained? Here, we’re going to go through some of the main areas to look out for.
Brakes
Naturally, you’re still going to want your electric car to stop. Brake pads and discs will need to be replaced on an EV, but they’ll wear down far less than in a conventional petrol or diesel car. It’s because nearly all electric vehicles use regenerative braking - which slows the vehicle down by effectively reversing the electric motor - and this puts less strain and reliance on the brakes as a result.
They’ll need to be routinely checked over by a trained professional to ensure that they’re in good condition, just as you’d expect in a ‘normal’ car.
Filters
Though oil filters are a thing of the past when it comes to electric cars, you’ll still need to get the cabin filters - sometimes referred to as pollen filters - replaced. These help to remove pollutants and pollen from the air entering the car’s cabin, ensuring that it’s as clean as possible.
These will need to be changed routinely and will likely be inspected during normal servicing.
Air conditioning
Another area where an EV may need some maintenance is with its air conditioning. You might notice that, over time, your car’s air conditioning isn’t blowing as cold as it once did and there may be some strange smells coming from the system too.
If this is the case, your car’s air conditioning system might need re-gassing to top up the refrigerant levels. An anti-bacterial clean of the system - something provided by many garages and service centres - will get rid of any weird smells, too.
Tyres
Just the same as all cars, an EV’s tyres will wear down during normal use. Tyres in the UK need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, so if they drop below this they’ll need replacing immediately or you’ll risk a fine and penalty points. Most electric cars use tyres that are designed specifically for EVs, too, with these able to offer improved rolling resistance which helps maximise range.
Plus, just as you’d find in a regular petrol or diesel car, poorly inflated tyres can really reduce an electric car’s range, so always make sure that they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures.
Coolant
You might not know it, but most electric cars use some form of coolant. Whereas in a petrol or diesel car coolant helps to regulate the engine’s temperature, in an EV it works to channel heat away from the battery pack.
This coolant helps to ensure that an electric car is operating at its peak temperature at all times. It’s worth noting that not all EVs use coolant, too, as some rely on air cooling instead to maintain a steady temperature.
Windscreen wipers
It might sound simple, but an EV’s windscreen wipers will wear out just the same as those on a ‘regular’ car. They’re an important but often-overlooked component, too, and play a key role in ensuring that you’ve got a clear view of the road ahead, particularly during winter.
If your car’s windscreen wipers are squeaking or failing to effectively clear water and grime from your screen, then they’re definitely worth changing out. It’s easy to change them out yourself, though many parts suppliers will be able to fit them for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing them on your own.
