Battery-powered cars benefit from not including a major component that wears out over time: the engine. The lack of an engine means an electric vehicle (EV) service can be a less complicated affair, as EVs require much less maintenance than models with an internal combustion engine (ICE). However, they’re still going to need some maintenance during their life span. Some of these checks and services are familiar to most car owners, but others are entirely new concepts that have yet to be fully tried and tested by drivers.
Some maintenance items on EVs follow the mileage recommendations of their gasoline-powered counterparts, making it easy for an EV owner to keep up with wear-and-tear issues. All manufacturers have their own service intervals for batteries and related components, and the best way to keep your EV running smoothly is to keep in touch with the service department at a trusted dealership such as Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville.
Why EVs Need Less Service
EVs don’t have as many moving parts as vehicles with fuel-powered engines, which means there are fewer components and less wear and tear. They still have suspension systems, tires, and brakes, but these items don’t need frequent repair anyway. Plus, they last longer on an EV. The battery pack is the biggest component that can cause maintenance worries, as this is the source of power for the car.
As a general rule, the servicing costs for an EV are much lower than for an ICE vehicle. Switching to electric removes the need to maintain an engine, something that many car owners aren’t familiar with. With an EV, service is simply a matter of getting the car checked out on a regular basis.
When Do I Need EV Service?
The service intervals for various parts on an EV depend on certain factors. For example, you may be expecting to get a brake service at certain mileage marks, but you’re likely to bring your car to a mechanic to replace them based on the noise they’re making.
Other items that need attention at a predictable pace include the tires, windshield washer fluid, and suspension components. For any other parts, check with the dealership you bought your vehicle from, or look in your manual to find out what needs to be inspected on a regular schedule.
As a general rule, it’s best to bring your car in once a year to a dealership service center for a checkup. This involves a technician inspecting your vehicle to look at the various systems that keep the car running and make sure they’re in good working order. Dealers and automakers alike highly recommend taking this step because the lack of moving parts gives you the sense your car won’t run into issues, and you may neglect important EV maintenance items.
What Type of Service Do I Need?
EV service is more about routine maintenance than it is about repair, but some parts eventually wear out or break and need replacement. The difference is that there are far fewer moving parts in an EV than there are in a fuel-powered vehicle. Let’s look at some of the parts that require regular service.
Brakes and Rotors
Brake pads last anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles on an ICE vehicle, but they can go much farther on an EV. Rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, but this interval is much longer on an EV. At the core of the brake-replacement interval is the fact that EV brakes run much cooler than ones on ICE vehicles and wear down more slowly. This is due to the fact that EVs use regenerative braking, which is a system that recharges the batteries every time you press on the brakes.
The best way to track the wear on your brakes is to get them inspected on a regular basis. This can be once or even twice a year depending on how many miles you drive your EV and your typical style of daily driving. If you hear your brakes squealing, it’s time to get them repaired no matter how long it’s been since they were last checked.
Tires
On average, tires can last for anywhere between 36,000 and 75,000 miles or about six years. As with a gas-powered vehicle, the time frame will vary depending on the climate, your driving habits, and the EV’s service history. Ultimately, you should replace the tires when they show signs of wear, such as low tread depth.
Fluids
EVs use battery coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. They also use hydraulic fluid for braking. You can check the windshield wiper fluid regularly and top it off at any time, but you’ll typically see a warning light on the dash when it’s running low. You should check the levels for the rest at least once a year.
Suspension Parts
The suspension on an EV needs to be checked more frequently than it does on an ICE vehicle. This is due to the added weight of the battery, which can add as much as 1,000 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight. There’s more strain on the suspension, so components can wear out more quickly. This should be done every 7,500 miles or six months.
Battery Maintenance
The battery on an EV should be inspected on an annual basis or more frequently if you’re noticing performance issues. Weather and use influence the overall battery charge and draw, which means you need to track how well your EV’s battery is performing. In the event the battery seems to be acting abnormally, you should bring it to the dealership for inspection.
EVs Are Changing How Cars Are Serviced
EV care is very different from the care required by a gas-powered vehicle, and it’s a part of their ongoing popularity. The nature of the technology eliminates much of the mystery of what can go wrong under the hood, and it’s much easier to maintain and service an EV. Getting regular service for your EV keeps you on top of its needs and eliminates the potential for problems.
Come See the Latest EVs at Huffines CDJR Lewisville
The new electric models by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram are starting to hit our showroom floors. Come to our Lewisville, Texas, showroom today to learn more about the models that feature hybrid or pure battery power and how they perform. Our sales team is here to answer your questions, take you for a test drive, and get you great deals on financing.