Basic Maintenance

Electric cars still use coolant and brake fluid, both of which should be checked every so often. Intervals for flushing the thermal management system and replacing coolant fluid range from every 50,000-150,000 miles depending on the car. And just like any other car, wipers should be changed twice a year as they wear down and wiper fluid will have to be topped off.

Tire Care

Just as with gas-run cars, you should get a tire rotation every so often to ensure your tires wear evenly. This is even more important with electric cars because they are heavy and deliver a lot of torque, which is extra hard on tires over time. Since the tires can wear down faster, taking your car for a tire rotation and balancing will extend the life of your tires.

Since electric cars are very quiet when running, tires that are worn can produce enough noise against pavement to actually be audible both outside and inside the car. To minimize this problem, there are specially manufactured tires for electric cars that are designed to reduce noise from worn tires and increase durability.

Brake System

Electric cars use a regenerative braking system, which differs from the friction braking used by combustion engine cars. This recaptures the car’s kinetic energy and converts it into electricity, which can then be used to power the vehicle. This system can be gentler on your brake pads, leading to longer intervals between having to replace parts. However, electric cars do still use pads and discs as part of their braking system and those will have to be replaced when they become too worn.

Electric cars also use brake fluid, so part of your maintenance routine will still include regular brake fluid flushes to keep your car running optimally. The hydraulic fluid used is the same as with combustion engine systems and as it absorbs water from the air, it will cause corrosion in the braking system if it is not maintained well.

The Battery

This is the most expensive part of electric car maintenance. Most of what makes up the inner workings of an electric car is the battery and it is essential to a functional car. At the same time, your car’s battery will not require a significant amount of servicing. It is just like any other battery in modern electronics. It will gradually lose the ability to hold charge over time and you will eventually reach a point when you feel you must charge your electric car too often.

Typically, your car’s battery will last around 100,000 miles before wearing down enough that you feel you need to replace it. Manufacturers also offer warranties on the battery, which vary depending on the manufacturer and state where you purchase your car. Otherwise, this auto repair service can cost several thousand dollars after the price of parts and labor.

How Can You Make Your Battery Last Longer?

To help prolong the life of your electric car’s battery, you can avoid fully charging it. For example, Nissan recommends only charging the Leaf to 80%. You should also avoid leaving your car for a prolonged period of time when it has little or no charge. Finally, changing temperatures can wear down a battery faster, so it is best to keep your car away from sources of heat or cold, as well as away from weather elements that are changeable.

Related Article: How Hot Weather Affects Your Car’s Battery & How Cold Weather Affects Your Car’s Battery