If you're considering buying an electric car, then you may have several questions. For instance, How far can an electric car go? or How do I prepare my home for an electric car? Another question that you might have is, Do electric cars require less maintenance? This last question is what we will be focusing on today. Continue reading to learn more about electric car maintenance.
Is less maintenance required for electric cars?
One of the costs of an electric car, or any car for that matter, is maintenance. Thus, when purchasing an electric car, you will need to account for the cost of maintenance. That said, studies show that electric cars generally require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles. This is due to the fact that they function differently.
First, EVs don’t have transmissions. Rather, they have electric car batteries and electric car motors. Since electric cars run on a single motor, which doesn’t require the driver to change or shift gears to alter their speed, there are fewer things that can go awry. Electric cars also contain far less fluid than gas-powered cars, which means not having to worry about checking or topping up your oil levels, one of the most common forms of maintenance for gas-powered cars.
Further, brake ware is known to be far less with EVs thanks to their advanced regenerative braking systems. With an electric car, when you brake, your car battery is recharged, which not only saves the owner money on electricity but results in a longer range. For more information on how far electric cars can go, contact BrokerLink.
All of these features that are specific to EVs make these types of vehicles less likely to break down or require maintenance. Thus, one of the main benefits of owning an electric car is that they do not tend to require as much maintenance as gas-powered vehicles.
Maintenance for electric cars
Although electric vehicles generally require less maintenance than other types of cars, they aren’t entirely maintenance-free. In fact, there are several types of maintenance and repairs, including winter car maintenance, that are important if you want your EV to remain in tip-top shape. Below, we have put together a list of some of the most common types of EV maintenance. You should budget for and be prepared to maintain your electric car in the following ways:
Battery coolant replacements
Replacing or changing the battery coolant in your EV may be a necessity, though this isn’t the case for all EVs. For example, Tesla models do not typically require battery coolant replacements, whereas other automakers, such as Chevy, include battery coolant replacement on their maintenance schedule for the Bolt EV. The good news is that if your EV requires a battery coolant replacement, it usually doesn’t happen very often - once every 15 years or so. Most drivers haven’t even owned their vehicles for this long, which means it may be a non-issue.
Brake fluid exchange
One type of fluid that an electric vehicle uses is brake fluid, just the same as a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Thus, EV owners will need to monitor their brake fluid levels to ensure they are topped up when needed. Further, the brake fluid in electric cars absorbs water over time. Once your brake fluid contains 3% water, it should be exchanged with fresh fluid. Why? A high water concentration in the brake fluid can cause rusting or even boiling. Brake fluid exchanges in electric cars typically must be performed every three to five years.
Brake pad replacements
As with traditional cars, electric cars also use brake pads, and these brake pads are prone to wearing out with time. Thus, you should expect brake pad replacements to be a part of your maintenance routine. It is worth noting that the stress on the brake pads is usually greater with an electric car than an internal combustion engine vehicle, since electric cars are heavier.
Thus, you might even need to replace your EV brakes more frequently; this could cost more if your EV has regenerative brakes. Make sure to have a professional perform a vehicle inspection at least once a year to check your brake pads.
Tire rotation
Electric cars use tires just the same as regular vehicles, and these tires need to be rotated from time to time. The typical rotation schedule for EV tires is twice per year. Forgetting to rotate your tires regularly can cause uneven wear, significantly reducing the lifespan of your tires.
Tire pressure
Checking and topping up the tire pressure on your EV is another type of maintenance that you will need performed. Tire pressure should be checked multiple times a year, especially in the winter when tires are known to lose pressure faster. Keep in mind that driving a car that has too little or too much pressure in the tires can lead to faster wear and decrease overall efficiency.
Windshield wiper replacements and fluid top ups
As an EV owner, there will likely come a time when the windshield wipers on your car need to be replaced or when the windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped up. Same with the wipers on all cars, the blades will degrade over time due to factors like heat, sun, and freezing temperatures, all of which can render them less effective.
Experts state that most windshield wipers need to be replaced every 15,000 miles. Meanwhile, fluid should be topped up as needed. There is usually a greater need for windshield wiper fluid in the winter when driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Cabin air filter replacements
Since electric cars don’t run on internal combustion engines, there is no need to replace the engine air filter. That said, EVs typically have cabin air filters, and it is not uncommon for them to collect dust, smoke, and other pollutants over time. In turn, this causes them to become clogged, which makes them less effective. It can even result in a strange smell in your car. As such, EV owners should expect to change their cabin air filters every three years.
Wheel alignments
The wheels and tires on an EV are similar to other types of cars, which means just as your tires will need to be rotated from time to time, your wheels will also need to be aligned. The reality is that wheels can shift over time, and misaligned wheels can result in uneven tire wear, as well as make your car pull to one side while driving, which can be dangerous. Thus, it is good practice to have your wheel alignment checked once or twice per year.
Car battery replacements
EVs have special batteries. These batteries are largely made out of lithium-ion; over time, they can wear down or even break down completely. Electric car batteries tend to last between eight and ten years, so you may never need to replace your EV’s battery, depending on how long you plan to own it. However, it is something that you should be prepared for.
EV batteries cost a lot more than regular car batteries. However, many automakers offer battery warranties that last up to ten years or up to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Please note that certain habits, such as frequently charging your EV in Level 3 DC fast chargers, can cause the battery to wear quickly.
Auto insurance for electric vehicles
Another type of maintenance for electric cars is electric vehicle insurance. Car insurance is mandatory everywhere in Canada, so purchasing it is not optional.
An insurance broker in Ontario can help you find the ideal coverage for your Toronto car insurance policy, including but not limited to the following types of insurance:
To learn how much car insurance costs per month in Ontario , contact BrokerLink to request a free insurance quote.
Get in touch with BrokerLink
Electric car maintenance is critical if you want your car to remain in good condition, and a big part of EV maintenance is insurance. Get in touch with BrokerLink to learn more about the different types of auto insurance. We can help you find a policy that complies with local laws and meets your needs. We can even provide you with a list of reliable cars if you want to make sure you choose the safest, most reliable EV on the market today.
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