What Maintenance Does An Electric Car Need?

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. You won’t find pistons, spark plugs, air filters, fuel lines, radiators, and oil changes when you own an electric vehicle. Even better, your purchase has zero emissions. As more and more carmakers come out with EVs, you’ll see plenty of them on Sicklerville roads and highways.

Despite having a lower cost of ownership for Williamstown drives, you’ll still need to perform maintenance on electric cars over the years you own one. Find out more about electric car maintenance from the experts at Cadillac Of Turnersville.

Afterward, look over our inventory of new electric cars to see which one fits your budget and lifestyle. 

Is It Expensive to Maintain an EV?

An EV is a great long-term investment for Sicklerville drivers with fantastic upsides, including reduced maintenance costs. They generally have fewer parts, but they are still complicated machines. Many of the upkeep maintenance costs you’re used to with an internal combustion engine aren’t found in an EV.

Say goodbye to:

• Oil changes 
• Gasket replacements 
• Cooling system flushes
• Belt replacements
• Spark plugs

You’ll need to make sure the vehicle’s software is up-to-date because the complex computer that maintains the vehicle will need periodic improvements to its operational program. The overall goal is to monitor the performance of the EV battery. Think of your EV battery like you do your phone: never go out with a low battery. Driving around consistently on a low battery will lead to a reduced charge and diminished gains over time, and you’ll lower your battery’s overall effectiveness. 

Do electric cars need maintenance? Yes, they do. But not as much as internal combustion engines.

What Maintenance Does an Electric Car Need?

This includes familiar tasks such as rotating the tires, replacing various fluids, and changing out cabin air filters. There are also a number of EV-specific services that drivers of these battery-electric vehicles need to keep on top of.

Battery Maintenance

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States predicts EV batteries will have service lives between 12 and 15 years in moderate climates. Extreme environments may reduce the service life to between 8 and 12 years. It’s a good idea to avoid driving in extreme temperatures, although your EV has cooling and heating systems to regulate the temperature of the battery. 

Wiper Fluid and Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers generally last about six months. Keep an eye on them once in the spring and once in the fall. Use this inspection time to look at the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. Make sure it’s filled up, and use fluid geared for de-icing in the winter for better visibility when it’s icy and snowy.

Brake Fluid

EVs don’t wear their brakes as often as internal combustion vehicles because of regenerative braking. However, you might need a certified technician to lubricate the braking system once a year to make sure they work properly. Brake fluid is normally clear. If you look at the reservoir and the brake fluid is a rust color, it’s time to change it. The best thing you can do is bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection annually.

Tires

EVs are a bit heavier than internal combustion engines. As such, tires typically wear out faster. Inspect the tread on your tires every six months. You might need to replace tires every 30,000 miles, depending on your tires and how often you drive. Normal tires might need to be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. However, your overall costs of ownership are still lower than internal combustion vehicles.

Test Drive an Electric Vehicle at Cadillac Of Turnersville!

Ready to experience a luxury EV? Contact us or call (856) 672-4031 to schedule a test drive of a new Cadillac LYRIQ, a top-of-the-line luxury car that needs no trips to the gas station. We’d love to put you behind the wheel of a great, high-end vehicle.

While you’re here, look over our finance center to see what you can afford with your budget. We’re happy to help in any way we can!