How to Maintain Your Electric Vehicle
Like any other vehicle, electric cars require maintenance, but they typically don’t need as much routine servicing as a conventional car with an internal combustion engine. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep an eye on any regular maintenance for electric cars that need to be done to ensure your vehicle lasts for the long haul.
Typically, according to Consumer Reports, car buyers can expect to save $4,600 in electric car repair costs, and maintenance. Also, maintaining and repairing EVs can cost about $900 a year.
What electric car maintenance tasks should you be aware of? Check out our guide to keeping your electric car in premium shape.
Electric Car Maintenance: How to Maintain and Repair Your Electric Vehicle
Since electrical systems, including the battery and motor, usually don’t need as much routine servicing, car buyers can save some money on electric car maintenance costs by not having to regularly take their cars to the mechanic.
However, there are still some things car buyers need to do to ensure their electric vehicle performs at the necessary level. Here are a few electric vehicle maintenance tasks you should keep up with.
Electric Vehicle Fluids
While you won’t need to change the oil, electric vehicles still need some fluids to function. For example:
- Coolant – Any EVs using a thermal management system use coolant that heats and cools the motor and battery. Depending on the vehicle, replacing the coolant can cost around $200.
- Windshield washer fluid – You’ll likely add this throughout various parts of the year. Changing out the windshield fluid reservoir can cost around $200.
- Brake fluid – You’ll want to check for corrosion in the brake fluid to identify when it needs to be changed out. Replacing electric car brake parts can set you back $300 to $400.
Battery Maintenance
Electric vehicle batteries are intended to last for the life of the vehicle, with some having warranties of 8 years/100,000 miles, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, batteries have a limited amount of time they can be charged and discharged, also known as their cycle life. Because of this, a battery may need replacement outside the warranty. Batteries are likely the most expensive part of electric vehicle maintenance. The cost to replace one can range from $2,500 to over $20,000.
The best way to maintain and extend your car’s battery life is to:
- Not fully charge it – A full charge isn’t the best for a lithium-ion battery’s health, so if possible, try to keep your battery charged to 80%.
- Keep the battery at the right temperature – Try to keep your electric vehicle in a place with moderate temperatures. If it’s too hot or cold, the car may try to self-heat or cool, which can take energy from your battery.
- Avoid high-speed charging – A high-speed charging process can put extra current into your battery, further straining it. So, as much as possible, try to charge overnight or plan to charge slowly.
In addition to maintaining your battery, you also need a well-made charging cable. If you need a new EV battery charging cable, check out the Lectron 110 Volt 16 Amps Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charger or Lectron 250 Volt 40 Amps Tesla to J1772 Adapter. Both are some of our highest-rated cables.
Tires
Electric vehicles typically need different tires than conventional combustion engine cars. They are heavier, have torque that needs better traction than a traditional tire, and can have faster acceleration. All of these factors contribute to electric vehicles needing special tires. However, tire maintenance is similar to conventional cars. Every few months or however long indicated by your owner’s manual, you’ll need to get them rotated, which can cost around $100. You should also check for a deep tread depth and low air pressure.
Brakes
As mentioned above, you should regularly test the brake fluid for corrosion. However, it’s important to note electric vehicle brakes typically require less maintenance because the cars use regenerative braking. The brakes use the car’s kinetic energy to slow down, taking the strain away from the brakes. Nevertheless, you still need to keep an eye on your brakes.. A brake fluid flush can cost around $100 if you get it done professionally.
Suspension
As mentioned above, electric vehicles are typically heavier than conventional cars. For that reason, it’s crucial to do routine checks of the car’s suspension and chassis every 7,500 miles. Look for any wear, tear, or leaks. Again, while these vehicles are meant to withstand a lot of activity, you may need to replace the suspension system down the line. You may need to switch out items like shocks and struts or sway bar. The average replacement costs for shocks and struts are around $500 and over $1,000, but this could vary for electric vehicles.
Filters
Because electric vehicles don’t use traditional gas and oil-powered systems, many conventional filters you would need to switch out are no longer necessary. The cabin air filter is the only filter system you’ll likely have to maintain in the car. These filters keep particles and dust from making their way into your vehicle. Eventually, air filters give out, and the last thing you’ll want is for dust, allergens, and bacteria to make their way into your car. Having a professional replace your air filter could cost around $61 to over $70, but this can vary for electric vehicles.
Always consult your owner’s manual to see how often cabin air filters need to be replaced, but try to do it at least every 30,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual to see if you need a special air filter for your car, but if not, check out the STP Air Filter SA8755 and STP Air Filter SA8039. Both are highly rated and some of AutoZone’s best sellers.
Maintenance for your electric vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out our inventory for items that can help you service and maintain your electric car.
FAQ/People Also Ask
Electric cars need regular maintenance for cabin air filters, tires, suspension systems, and coolant fluids.
Electric cars typically need less maintenance than conventional vehicles, so the costs should be less. However, if a repair or replacement is needed, the price could be equal to or greater than that of a conventional vehicle.
Longevity for electric cars typically centers around the battery. Some have said electric car batteries can last 10 to 20 years if maintained properly. However, this can all depend on the type of vehicle and driving patterns.
Replacement batteries for electric vehicles can range between $2,500 and over $20,000 depending on the car’s make and model.
Electric cars come with a few downsides for drivers. The limited amount of charging stations and it’s expensive price can be a deterrent. Also, depending on the wear and tear of the car, suspension systems, tires, and even batteries can also need to be replaced.
A lack of charging ports and expensive batteries can be a major con for car drivers.
No, since they don’t have an engine that needs lubrication, they don’t need or have oil.
