When does an electric car need maintenance ?

One of the most common questions the buying public has is, when does an electric car need maintenance? The simplest answer is this: Electric cars require significantly less maintenance than conventional models. Let’s take a closer look, with Kia’s help.

A conventional engine is made of hundreds of moving parts and this is one of the reasons it will probably need repair at some point in the future. It is perfectly normal for the greater complexity to bring and … more problems.

An electric motor includes only a few non-moving parts. The fact that it has no mechanical components also means that there is no need to change oils, filters or even belts. This makes electric cars more reliable, easier to repair and at a cheaper maintenance cost over time.

Electric cars require significantly less maintenance than conventional models. This is explained by the fact that their construction is much simpler. And this is very important, since the less maintenance, the lower the service costs, and you will have less need to go to the mechanic.

Why do electric cars require less maintenance?

The main reason is one: The electric motor in your car includes just over a dozen moving parts. When at the same time an internal combustion engine has hundreds. And it’s very simple: the less moving parts, the harder it is to go something wrong. In fact, if at some point a part of the electric motor needs a change due to wear and tear it is very easy to replace.

Secondly, there are much fewer liquids (such as oil and transmission fluids), which need to be checked and changed quite often. And thanks to the power recovery system, the braking system in an electric car usually has a longer life than a conventional one, which greatly damages the brakes and pads.

Read more :

• What is the BEV Car ?
• Electric vehicles produce less CO2 than petrol cars
• Cheap oil will threaten electric vehicles?

Regular maintenance

Although electric vehicles are less concerned with maintenance issues, you require to arrange an annual check on your electric vehicle for a small maintenance on electrical systems, including battery, electric motor and related electronic systems.

Battery care

Like cars with internal combustion engines, electric models don’t live forever. And especially their batteries, whose lifespan depends on how they are charged. Battery capacity and battery life are significantly affected by external temperatures. It’s a good thing it doesn’t drain electricity. The most efficient range for charging is from 20% to 80% in battery capacity. The battery will not charge too much or too often. DC fast chargers should be used to a minimum in order to prolong the life of the high-voltage battery.

Braking system

The recovery system in an electric car means that the brakes will have a longer life. These pads use the same hydraulic system as what we find in a conventional car. Maintenance and replacement time may be twice as long as that required in a conventional car, but it makes sense that at some point they will have to be replaced. Brake fluids should also be replaced frequently so that they function ideally and avoid future problems in the braking system.

Coolant

Electric cars have a cooling system, which ensures that the battery temperature is kept constant and prevents it from overheating. Cooling system fluids vary depending on the model, so it’s a good idea to know exactly which one to use for that model. And then be replaced whenever necessary, but also the relevant container to be filled.

Tires

Tyres in all cars, regardless of type, must be checked frequently in order to avoid frequent replacement. Electric vehicles usually weigh 20-30% more than cars with an internal combustion engine. That’s because of the batteries. At the same time, they immediately offer all available torque, which can cause more tyre wear sooner.

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