Electric vehicles (EVs) are an impressive leap in automotive technology. Apart from providing lower emissions, they let you enjoy lower operating costs and a quieter driving experience.
While way ahead of their time, EV systems and components still require upkeep to ensure optimal performance. EV repairs primarily differ from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially when dealing with batteries, motors, and software. Lucky for you, this EV maintenance guide can help keep your car in tip-top shape.
6 Practical Electric Car Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Proper EV maintenance ensures your car runs efficiently, drives far, and lasts long under your care.
1. Focus on EV battery maintenance
The battery is the heart of electric cars, so you must prioritize maintaining and keeping track of it, as described below.
A charge
between 20% and 80% prolongs your battery's life. Overcharged batteries or letting them drop to 0% damages their internals and significantly shortens their lifespan, like most Lithium-ion battery-powered devices. It’s best to use certified chargers and adapters from reputable manufacturers.
Choosing a tried-and-tested battery also helps keep your car in mint condition. Take BYD's state-of-the-art
Ultra-Safe Blade Battery, which has undergone rigorous tests to ensure its durability and reliability. It lets you drive safely, even on unpaved roads or under intense temperatures.
The Blade battery's space utilization is
over 50% higher than traditional packs, increasing energy density and extending range. It can also accommodate over 5,000 charge and discharge cycles, providing a long battery life.
2. Check and refill fluids as necessary
Your
EV might not have an ICE like a gas-powered or hybrid car, but you must still stay on top of its fluid requirements:
Brake fluid is a hydraulic substance used in brake systems to transfer force and apply pressure from the brake pedal to the brake pads. Keeping brake fluids at optimal levels ensures your brake system has enough lubrication to brake smoothly and safely on the road.
Coolant refers to fluid that lets your vehicle absorb and dissipate heat from the engine. This solution enables the thermal management system to regulate the car battery’s temperature and electronics, preventing overheating and freezing in frigid weather.
Transmission fluid is a lubricant your vehicle needs to ensure smooth shifting of gears, reduce friction and wear, and cool the transmission components. Your EV's single-speed automatic transmission system needs transmission fluid to shift smoothly and avoid wearing itself down.
3. Be mindful of parking locations
Where you park also has a critical effect on your car's location. Extreme temperatures can affect your vehicle's performance, regardless of whether it's an EV or an ICE vehicle. For instance, chilly conditions below -7°C (20°F) can
cut an EV's driving range by up to 12%, while heat upwards of 35°C (95°F) can reduce it by 17%. Similarly, ICE vehicles can experience decreased efficiency and increased wear in extreme temperatures.
When parking, choose covered areas suitable for
inclement Philippine weather to protect your vehicle's components and prevent weather-related wear.
Likewise, an insulated garage can prevent this problem. A high-quality car cover for added protection is also a good idea when parking under a shade in an open area.
4. Check your brakes regularly
EVs have
regenerative braking systems, which convert kinetic energy into electricity for your car’s battery. This feature results in less stress on braking components.
However, it doesn't mean electric cars’ brakes are maintenance-free. Inspecting the brake pads and rotors regularly for signs of wear is still ideal. If you find any, replace the affected component immediately before going on
long drives. Plus, taking your EV to a mechanic is an enormous help if you don't know how to fix it yourself.
5. Schedule tire rotations
Generally, tires wear down unevenly. For example, rear rubbers may go bad faster than the front when regularly navigating heavy roads. So, periodically rotate tires to distribute wear among them and extend their lifespan. Otherwise, your car could suffer from poor handling, inefficiency, and a higher risk of blowouts on the road.
Likewise, you must keep tires at their ideal pressure to
reduce rolling resistance and improve their performance. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can help determine whether your rubbers match the manufacturer's recommended specs.
6. Always update your EV to the latest firmware
Electric cars have almost entirely computerized systems, distinguishing them from traditional ICE-powered vehicles. EVs heavily rely on computers and firmware with the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. Some updates also help your car stay compatible with new charging infrastructures.
So, regularly check for firmware updates from your vehicle's manufacturer and install them as necessary. Many companies provide over-the-air updates, eliminating the need to visit service centers.
Give Your EV Some TLC
EV maintenance isn't much different from that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In fact, EVs might even require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts. The
BYD Atto 3 costs roughly P25k over a five-year period compared to conventional cars at P110k within the same timeframe, with the model not requiring engine oils, transmission fluids, or other lubricants that other traditional cars need.
Over the said five-year period, the BYD Atto 3 only needs brake pads, brake fluids, AC filters, and wiper blades, providing you with maximum savings.
All that said, consistent and efficient EV maintenance ensures both efficiency and longevity. It maximizes your investment while promoting sustainability.
Stay on top of your car's health with necessary checks and repairs. You'll save more and worry less about its dependability and eco-friendliness Of course, these are all precautionary since electric cars are built to last and maintain top-notch performance through the years.
Ready to experience the future of transportation? Enjoy cutting-edge technology and unparalleled reliability by choosing
BYD Cars Philippines. Our electric cars' sustainability and performance ensure you get the most out of them. Join the global movement toward cleaner, greener mobility solutions with BYD.
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