⚡ EV Maintenance Tips for New Owners
Electric vehicles require less day-to-day service than gas cars, but certain components need extra attention due to their weight, technology, and design.
🔋 Battery Care
- Avoid frequent 100% charges: Charging to 80–90% helps prolong battery life unless you need maximum range.
- Don't let it sit empty: Keep charge above 20% to avoid deep discharge damage.
- Use Level 2 charging at home when possible; reserve fast charging (DCFC) for trips.
- Precondition your EV (warm or cool the cabin/battery while plugged in) to reduce strain.
🛞 Tires & Alignment
- EVs use extra load (XL) tires to handle their added weight.
- Tread depth should be checked more frequently — EV tires often last about half as long as gas-vehicle tires.
- Check pressure monthly and rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles.
- Wheel alignment is critical to efficiency and safety.
- Suspension checks are essential:
- EVs are heavier than contemporary cars, stressing suspension parts.
- Many suspension pieces are made of lightweight, exotic alloys or composites, which must be inspected for wear or fatigue.
- Periodic tire wear checks help catch uneven wear early.
🛑 Brakes
- EVs rely on regenerative braking, so pads wear slowly — but rust builds up faster since the pads are used less.
- Annual cleaning and lubrication of brakes is strongly recommended in high-rust or heavy road-salt areas.
- Upgrades to extend life:
- Stainless steel brake pads resist rust and corrosion.
- High-carbon steel phosphoratic coated rotors help prevent rotor rusting.
- Occasional firm braking helps clean the rotors and reduce buildup.
🧊 Fluids
- EVs still need fluid services:
- Coolant (battery and electronics) at manufacturer intervals.
- Brake fluid test/replace every 2–3 years.
- Transmission fluid replacement (many EVs have one or multiple gearboxes).
- Windshield washer fluid will be your most frequent refill.
⚡ Electrical & Software
- Keep the charging port clean.
- Install software updates for improved features, safety, and range.
- Use a dedicated electrical circuit for home charging to prevent overloads.
🛠️ General Care
- Replace the cabin air filter every 6 months.
- Use an HVAC foaming cleaner as preventative maintenance to keep ducts fresh and free of buildup.
- Perform underbody inspections in snowy/salty areas to check for corrosion.
- Follow your manufacturer’s service schedule.
🚗 Driving Habits
- Drive smoothly to maximize range.
- Use eco/regenerative modes when available.
- Avoid excess weight and remove unused roof racks.