Maintaining your Electric Vehicle or Hybrid
It's something we sometimes don’t think about when we have a shiny new car to play with. But we all need to think about the maintenance of anything we use on a daily basis, and this includes our electric vehicles. Not only is this to ensure that they’re performing at maximum capacity; it’s also to ensure we get our money’s worth for a long time to come.
The good news is that one of the major benefits of owning an electric vehicle is that they’re really easy to maintain. Try not to be swayed by the long-established myth that they’re difficult and expensive – this is just not true! ​Similarly, hybrid models will typically cost less in maintenance because there is less wear and tear on the combustion engine. This is because it’s not used when the car is idling or driving at low speeds which is when the electric motor takes over. Brake pads and brakes themselves tend to last much longer in hybrid and EV models as a result of the lower heat involved in the regenerative braking system.
EVs have fewer moving parts than conventional petrol and diesel cars, and therefore a much smaller number of components that need regular check-ups, servicing and repairs. While every EV model will have its own unique aspects, just like a regular vehicle, there are things that every EV owner can do. Regardless of the model you have, you can keep your electric car in tip-top condition. As with any vehicle you own, monitoring your EV will stop any minor glitches turning into big problems. The first thing you can do is keep an eye on the battery.
You should be all set for the first 100,000 miles – and that’s a lot of driving – but it’s wise to remember that constantly charging it to full capacity might mean it wears out more quickly. It might also affect the car’s regenerative braking ability, so a charge of around 80% is a good place to start.
We also advise you to think regularly about the brake function, the tyres, keeping the car’s fluids topped up (although it doesn’t need oil, you still need to maintain coolant, brake fluid and windscreen wash), and replacing the air cabin filter to keep the inside fresh. Unlike a traditional vehicle, you should also update your EV’s software. Just like implementing the latest iOS or Android update, the latest software for your car will ensure it runs smoothly and for a longer length of time, which is something we all want.
When it comes to servicing your EV, you may find it trickier to swing into your local garage. This is because not all car workshops have staff trained in EV maintenance. Wilsons, however, has a number of highly-trained technicians on hand who are specialists at EV maintenance and repair, and we will happily carry out any service you require for your EV.
For more information on EV servicing and maintenance, browse our website by clicking on the links below.