Electric cars are more than just a trend—they’re a movement toward a sustainable future. If you’ve recently started driving an electric vehicle (EV), you’re part of a growing community that’s committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
But as a first-time electric vehicle owner, you’ll have to learn how to take care of your new car. Below, our maintenance guide will show you how to take quality care of your EV.
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Benefits of Owning an EV for First-Time Buyers
Owning an EV offers numerous advantages beyond environmental benefits, starting with lower operating costs, as they run on electricity. To best understand their advantages and attributes, it’s wise to first familiarize yourself with how EVs work to determine if they’re right for you and your driving needs.
Owning an EV helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, with fewer moving parts, electric cars incur lower maintenance costs over time. But that’s not to say EVs don’t require any maintenance whatsoever.
Understanding Basic EV Maintenance
While EV maintenance is much simpler than a typical, internal combustion engine, first-time owners would do well to master simple maintenance. Keep reading our guide to electric vehicle maintenance to learn what you need to do to keep your EV in better shape for longer.
Inspecting Battery and Charging Ports
The heart of any electric vehicle is its battery. To ensure optimal performance, it’s crucial to regularly inspect the battery and charging ports.
Look for any signs of wear or damage and clean the charging ports to prevent any obstruction during charging. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging, avoiding extreme temperatures that could affect battery life.
Battery Coolant
Just like traditional vehicles, electric cars require coolant to regulate the battery’s temperature. Regularly check the coolant levels and top them up if necessary. This ensures that the battery operates within the optimal temperature range, preventing overheating and prolonging its lifespan.
Electric Car Tires
Tires play a vital role in the performance and safety of any vehicle, and electric cars are no exception. Owners need to know that electric car tires behave and degrade differently than normal tires because of the heavier weight and different weight distribution of EVs. Regularly inspect the tires for tread wear and maintain the correct tire pressure.
Brakes
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This reduces wear on traditional brake components, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for brake maintenance. Regularly inspect the brake pads and discs for wear and tear, ensuring they function effectively when needed.
Keep Your EV Running Better for Longer With Our Maintenance Tips
We hope our guide has been informative for first-time EV owners or those interested in getting their first electric car. While EVs are much easier to maintain than standard cars, owners must still be vigilant about degradation with regular inspections and routine maintenance. Keep our tips in mind, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your new EV for longer.
