Electric Cars: Top 5 Maintenance Tips for New Owners

Electric car maintenance is no rocket science. In fact, it's much easier than the maintenance you'd have to do on your regular petrol/diesel-hogging vehicles. That's mainly because instead of engines, such cars run on electric motors that have very few supplementary components. This is also the reason why some of them offer extra boot space, but we digress. Here are 5 tips for ensuring that your electric car remains in top running condition between service appointments.

Check on the battery

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No, we're not talking about the battery that your car runs on. That'll work just fine for years on the trot. We're talking about the other battery that's employed for powering the car's interior lights, door locking mechanisms, the navigation system, the instrument cluster, and more. You need to check it every 6 months for degradation and if you do find something wrong, take the car to a mechanic to replace it before it completely drains out.

Change fluids regularly

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Electric cars need a thermal management system, which means one component of traditional cars that EVs do come with is the coolant. This fluid, as well as the brake fluid, needs regular attention. Their containers are easy to access, so no digging is required. No need to mention that you need to add windshield wiper fluid to your car at regular intervals as well.

Keep an eye on those tyres

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This is one aspect that's very similar to regular cars. All you need to do is check your tyres for basic wear and tear. Keep an eye on air levels as well as the presence of any unwanted nails or other objects lodged in them; you don't want to incur a puncture on the morning of your road trip.

Look after the brakes

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Looking after the brakes is one of the most important aspects of electric car maintenance. Granted that the use of regenerative braking puts lesser strain on the braking mechanism than traditional vehicles do but they still need replacement every few years. So do remember to have your electric car's braking system properly oiled and inspected by a mechanic every few months.

Get the motor checked by professionals

The electric motor is the heart of your car. And while it's true that it contains far fewer parts than an engine it's important that you get it checked from time to time. Doing it yourself is unsafe owing to the possibility of getting an electric shock so it's always advisable to ask a trained mechanic to see if everything in your car's electric motor is in proper working order.

If you follow all these simple electric car maintenance tips, you will ensure a longer life for it. They could also save you major repair costs, adding to the already hefty savings you are making by not having to pay for petrol or diesel every day.