10 Best Maintenance Tips For Electric Cars and Automobiles
If you own an electric vehicle or automobile of any sort, you’ll agree with me that regular car maintenance is the key to keeping it running smoothly and prolonging its lifespan. But with so many options and complex parts, it can be difficult to know exactly what kind of maintenance your vehicle needs. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best car maintenance tips for electric vehicles and automobiles, so you can keep your ride running in top shape. Read on to find out more!
1) Check Your Fluids Regularly
Maintaining your car’s fluids is important for both electric vehicles and automobiles alike. Checking the fluid levels in your car can help keep your engine running at peak performance and can even help prevent costly repairs down the line.
Make sure to check your oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid at least once a month. If any of these levels appear to be low or dirty, have them replaced immediately.
In electric vehicles, it’s also important to check the level of electrolytes in your battery. This helps ensure that the battery has enough juice to power your car. Additionally, make sure to check the levels of antifreeze and windshield washer fluid if you own a car with an internal combustion engine.
These fluids help ensure your vehicle runs smoothly during colder weather and help you stay safe on the road.
If you aren’t sure how to check the levels of these fluids, consult your owner’s manual or take your car to a professional mechanic for assistance. They can help you understand how to properly check and maintain the fluid levels in your vehicle.
2) Inspect Your Brakes
It is important to inspect your brakes regularly as they are essential for a safe drive. The brake system is composed of brake pads, discs, and callipers. To check if your brakes are in good condition, start by looking for any signs of wear and tear on the brake pads, discs, and callipers. Inspect for any leaks or wear-and-tear on the brake lines too.
Additionally, make sure that the brakes have a sufficient level of lubricant. If any of these elements show signs of wear or damage, you should replace them right away.
It is also important to check the condition of your brakes’ rotors. Rotors are circular pieces of metal that help with stopping the car. You should make sure that there is no discolouration or cracks on the rotors, as this indicates that they are worn out and need replacing.
If any part of the brake system needs repairs, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action. You must maintain your brakes regularly to ensure a safe driving experience.
3) Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
Regular car servicing is one of the most important things you can do to keep your electric vehicle and automobile in top condition. Regular servicing can help identify potential problems early on and can ensure that they are fixed before they become more serious issues.
A car service should check the basic components of your vehicle, such as the brakes, suspension, steering, oil and fluids, as well as check for any signs of wear or damage.
Servicing should also include a thorough inspection of the car’s electrical system, checking the charging system and the battery connections, along with the lights and indicators.
Regular servicing should also check the air-conditioning system, particularly in hot climates. It is important to get your car serviced at least once a year (or every 12,000 miles) by a qualified mechanic who has experience with electric vehicles and automobiles.
Car servicing will also give you peace of mind, as you can be confident that everything is working correctly and that any issues have been identified and addressed before they become a major problems. You should also keep records of when your car was serviced and what was done. This will help you keep track of any repairs or maintenance that may be necessary for the future.
4) Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your car clean is an essential part of maintaining its condition. Regularly cleaning your car will help to preserve its exterior and interior, as well as keep it looking like new for years to come.
When it comes to cleaning your car, it’s important to start from the outside and work your way in. First, give the exterior of your car a good wash with a sponge, soap, and water. Don’t forget to wash your windows and wheels as well. Once you’ve finished washing, use a polishing compound to restore shine.
This will help protect your car’s paint job and prevent scratches and oxidation.
Inside your car, start by vacuuming the floor mats, seats, and carpets. Then wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, and all other surfaces with a damp cloth.
To finish off, use an interior cleaner to remove any built-up dirt and grime.
By following these steps, you can help keep your electric vehicle or automobile looking like new for years to come.
5) Check Your Tyre Pressure
Having the right tyre pressure is key for a safe driving experience. It’s important to check the tyre pressure of your electric vehicle or automobile regularly, as underinflated tyres can cause poor handling, increased fuel consumption and potential tyre failure. Overinflated tyres may also lead to reduced grip in wet conditions and a harsher ride.
To ensure you have the correct tyre pressure, you need to first check the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure (usually found in the owner’s manual or inside the door frame of the driver’s side).
This will vary between vehicles, so make sure you check your specific car’s recommendation.
Once you know the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, you can use a pressure gauge to check the air pressure of each tyre.
Most petrol stations have air compressors, so you can easily add more air to your tyres if necessary. If the tyres are too low, you should add more air until the tyre pressure reaches the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Make sure you don’t overfill the tyres, as this can also be dangerous.
Regularly checking your tyre pressure is an important part of maintaining your electric vehicle or automobile. Checking your tyre pressure every month will help you to stay safe on the road and extend the life of your tyres.
6) Check Your Battery
One of the most important maintenance tips for electric vehicles and automobiles is to check your battery. Keeping your battery in good condition is essential to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently.
To check the health of your battery, it is recommended that you get it tested at least once a year by a certified technician. This will help identify any problems such as corrosion or leaks.
Additionally, you should check your battery regularly for signs of corrosion or damage, such as discolouration or fraying cables. It is also important to check your battery’s voltage, which should not drop below 12 volts.
If your battery does need to be replaced, be sure to get a replacement from a reputable source and ensure it is the correct size and voltage for your car. Finally, be sure to take extra precautions when dealing with batteries as they can be dangerous due to their potential for leaking acid.
7) Get Your Car Washed Regularly
It’s essential to make sure your car is clean and free from dirt and grime, not only to keep it looking its best but also to maintain its value and extend its life. Regular washing helps to protect the finish of your car from UV damage and road salt, which can corrode paintwork if left unchecked.
Washing your car regularly also helps you spot any potential problems early on, such as dents, scratches, rust or cracked glass. It’s important to note that washing your car too often can do more harm than good – over-washing can strip away protective wax, so once a month or every few weeks should be enough.
When you wash your car, use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid damaging the paintwork, and use two buckets – one with soap and water and one with plain water – to rinse off the dirt.
Make sure you don’t leave any soap residue behind on the car and dry with chamois cloth or a squeegee for the best results.
Don’t forget to clean the wheels, tyres and undercarriage too, as these areas can quickly become caked in mud and dirt if left unattended. To keep your car looking its best, use a wax polish afterwards to give it an extra layer of protection against the elements.
8) Vacuum Your Car Regularly
Regular vacuuming is one of the most important maintenance tips for electric vehicles and automobiles. Not only does it keep your car looking clean and tidy, but it also helps to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the interior of your car that can cause damage over time.
Vacuuming the interior of your car helps to remove food particles and debris that can cause odours, as well as dust mites and other allergens that can aggravate allergies or asthma. Vacuuming regularly can also help extend the life of your car’s upholstery by removing dirt and grime that can cause wear and tear.
To vacuum your car effectively, use a handheld vacuum with an attachment that allows you to reach into tight spaces. Make sure to move the seats and other areas so that you can get to all the nooks and crannies of your car.
Pay special attention to the crevices around the windows, between the seats, in the cup holders, and along the door frames. If you have carpeting in your car, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to help loosen embedded dirt and debris.
For best results, vacuum your car at least once every few weeks to maintain its appearance and reduce potential damages due to debris buildup.
9) Park In a Garage
One of the best ways to take care of your electric vehicle or automobile is to park it in a garage. Doing this helps to protect your vehicle from extreme weather conditions, such as hail and snow, and can also help protect it from theft.
If you don’t have access to a garage, try to find a sheltered area or use a car cover when parking outside. Additionally, try to park away from other cars and trees, as these can cause damage to your car. By parking your car in a garage or sheltered area, you can keep it looking like new and reduce the amount of maintenance it needs.
10) Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule:
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for keeping your electric vehicle running smoothly and avoiding potential issues. The recommended schedule will typically include regular inspections and maintenance tasks such as checking and topping up fluid levels, inspecting brakes, inspecting suspension and steering components, and replacing cabin air filters.
In addition, the maintenance schedule may include specific tasks that are unique to electric vehicles, such as checking the battery pack’s state of health, checking the charging system, and ensuring the thermal management system is functioning correctly.
It’s important to note that regular maintenance can help prevent larger and more costly repairs down the line. Neglecting maintenance tasks can result in decreased performance, reduced battery life, and potentially dangerous situations on the road.
If you’re unsure about how to perform any of the recommended maintenance tasks or don’t have the proper tools or equipment, it’s best to take your electric vehicle to a certified dealer or mechanic who has experience working with electric vehicles. They can help ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and functioning at its best.
