Electric Car Maintenance Cost Will Destroy Your Wallet ?
What is electric car maintenance?
Electric car maintenance refers to the routine tasks and repairs required to keep an electric vehicle in good shape and running smoothly. Electric cars, like any other form of vehicle, require routine maintenance to keep them running safely and efficiently. Electric car maintenance includes testing the battery, changing the oil (in specific conditions), replacing the brake pads, and checking the tire pressure. Proper maintenance will help you extend the life of your electric vehicle and avoid costly repairs.
“According to the government Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the estimated planned maintenance expenditures for an electric vehicle average $0.06 cents per mile, whereas a conventional ICE-powered trip costs $0.10 cents per mile.”
Why is electric car maintenance is important?
Trying to keep up with your electric car maintenance is important for a few reasons. It first ensures that driving in your vehicle is safe. Regularly checking the brakes and tire pressure will assist assure safety and keep you and your passengers safe. Second, routine maintenance helps to avoid malfunctions and costly repairs.
Timely screening of issues saves you money on future, more expensive repairs. Finally, maintaining your electric car in good shape can help it run efficiently. For example, frequent battery maintenance can help to extend its life and improve the overall performance of your vehicle. In other words, frequent maintenance is critical for your electric vehicle’s performance, dependability, and safety.
What are the costs associated with electric car maintenance?
Electric car maintenance costs can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits and the frequency of maintenance tasks. Some maintenance tasks, such as checking tire pressure and windshield wipers, are relatively inexpensive and can be done at home with minimal tools.
Certain tasks, such as changing the battery, may be more expensive and need the assistance of a professional. One of the primary benefits of electric vehicles is that they require less maintenance than conventional gas-powered vehicles. Electric cars’ parts are less prone to wear out or break down since they have fewer moving parts. Also, because electric vehicles do not require regular oil changes or emissions checks, they may save you money over time.
Generally, the costs of electric car maintenance are often cheaper than those of gasoline-powered vehicles. Nonetheless, it is critical to budget for routine maintenance and repairs to ensure that your electric vehicle remains in excellent shape and works smoothly.
What are the common parts that require maintenance?
Electric cars have a few basic maintenance tasks that are similar to those of traditional gas-powered vehicles. However, many people are not aware of the necessary maintenance required to keep them running smoothly. Here are some of the common parts that require maintenance:
- Battery Maintenance
The battery is the heart of an electric car, and it is crucial to keep it in good condition to ensure maximum range and performance. To maintain the battery, you should:
- Keep it charged between 20-80% to prevent excessive wear and tear
- Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold
- Clean the battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion
- Have the battery inspected and serviced by a professional every year
- Tire Maintenance
Tire maintenance is essential for any vehicle, and electric cars are no exception. Proper tire maintenance can help improve range and performance, as well as ensure safety. To maintain your electric car tires, you should:
- Check the tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires can decrease range and performance
- Rotate the tires every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear and tear
- Check the tread depth regularly, and replace the tires if they are worn out
- Use low-rolling-resistance tires to improve range and performance
- Brake Maintenance
Electric cars use regenerative braking, which means that the brakes help recharge the battery while driving. However, this also means that the brakes may not be used as often, which can lead to corrosion and other issues. To maintain your electric car brakes, you should:
- Have the brakes inspected regularly, even if they do not appear to be worn down
- Avoid leaving the car parked for extended periods with the brakes engaged
- Use the brakes occasionally to prevent corrosion
- Have the brake fluid flushed and replaced every two years
- Cooling System Maintenance
The cooling system in an electric car is critical to prevent the battery and other components from overheating. To maintain the cooling system, you should:
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and warning lights
- Check the coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed
- Have the cooling system inspected and serviced by a professional every year
- Avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures, as this can strain the cooling system
- Electrical System Maintenance
The electrical system in an electric car is complex and requires regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. To maintain the electrical system, you should:
- Have the wiring and electrical components inspected regularly
- Check the fuses and replace them if needed
- Keep the car clean & free from debris, as this can cause electrical issues
- Have any electrical issues addressed by a professional immediately
Hence, maintaining an electric car requires attention to detail and regular maintenance. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can help ensure that your electric car stays in top condition and performs at its best.
How often should these maintenance to be done ?
The frequency of electric car maintenance tasks can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are some general guidelines for how often these tasks should be performed:
- Battery
It’s a good idea to check the battery level regularly, especially if you’re taking a longer trip. It’s also important to keep the battery clean and free of debris. Most electric car manufacturers recommend having the battery checked by a professional every 12 months.
- Tires
It’s recommended to check the tire pressure at least once a month and rotate the tires every 5,000-7,000 miles. You should also replace the tires when the tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch.
- Brakes
The brake pads and rotors should be checked every 12 months or 15,000 miles, and replaced as needed.
- Filters
The cabin air filter should be replaced every 12 months or 15,000 miles, while the battery cooling system filter should be checked and cleaned every 24 months.
- Windshield wipers
You should replace your windshield wipers every 6-12 months or when they start to show signs of wear.
“Remember that these are general guidelines, and you should always refer to your electric car’s owner’s manual or contact a professional mechanic for specific recommendations based on your vehicle and driving habits.”
The cost of maintaining an electric vehicle
The cost of maintaining an electric car depends on a variety of variables, including the vehicle’s make and model, the specific repair operation, and the area where the work is done. Some of the most common maintenance methods for electric cars include checking the battery level, rotating the tires, changing the brake pads and rotors, and cleaning the cabin air filter. A new battery for an electric car might cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, a replacement battery might cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000. Routine maintenance, on the other hand, can help you prevent having to perform more expensive repairs later on, saving you money. You may also save money on labor by performing some maintenance tasks yourself, such as changing the air filter or the windshield wipers.
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What are the benefits of regular electric car maintenance?
- Regular maintenance save money
Proper maintenance may give several benefits to your electric car. The first advantage is that it can help prevent significant issues from occurring, saving you money on future costly repairs. For example, replacing rotors and worn brake pads can help prevent damage to other sections of the brake system, such as the brake calipers, which can be far more expensive to fix. Second, routine maintenance may help your automobile perform better and consume less fuel, saving you money on petrol and electricity.
Finally, regular maintenance may extend the life of your electric vehicle, allowing you to get more miles out of your investment. Last but not least, certain electric vehicle manufacturers issue warranties that are conditional on regular maintenance being performed, so keeping up with maintenance may assist ensure that your warranty remains in effect. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, may save you a lot of money in the long run by avoiding significant problems and prolonging the lifespan and efficiency of your automobile.
- Regular maintenance prolong the life of your electric car
Regular maintenance is essential to maintaining your electric car in good condition and extending its lifespan. Basic maintenance tasks such as checking the battery level, rotating the tires, and replacing the air filter will help keep your car running smoothly and avoid major problems. For example, replacing brake pads and rotors when needed can help prevent damage to other parts, such as brake calipers, which can be significantly more costly to fix.
In addition to reducing wear and tear on the engine and other parts, routine maintenance may help your car run more efficiently and perform better overall. Maintaining your electric car might assist guarantee that your warranty is still in effect since some electric car manufacturers provide warranties that call for regular maintenance. You can make your electric car last longer and get more use out of your investment by investing in routine maintenance.
- Regular maintenance improve the performance
Periodic maintenance is required to keep your electric car running at peak performance. Routine maintenance may improve performance by keeping the vehicle’s parts clean and in excellent functioning condition. For example, cleaning the cabin air filter on a regular basis may help ensure that the air conditioning system is working properly and providing clean air to the cabin. Rotating the tires can also help to ensure even wear, which can improve handling and reduce the likelihood of blowouts.
Monitoring the battery level on a regular basis may also help to ensure that the battery is operating at peak efficiency, which can improve the vehicle’s performance and range. Lastly, maintaining the engine in excellent functioning order can help keep the vehicle’s acceleration and overall performance. Replacement of oil and spark plugs at recommended intervals can assist keep the engine in excellent running order. Overall, investing in periodic maintenance may keep your electric vehicle in great form and give you with a safer, more effective, and happier driving experience.
How to save money on electric car maintenance?
Tips for reducing electric car maintenance costs
Although maintaining an electric vehicle might be expensive, there are a few strategies that can help you save your total expenditures. First and foremost, it’s crucial to periodically inspect and maintain your car’s tires since they may assist increase your vehicle’s economy and lessen wear and strain on other parts by having properly inflated tires.
In order to save money over time on public charging costs, think about purchasing an electric car charging station for your house. Lastly, make an effort to plan your excursions in advance and steer clear of strong acceleration and braking because they might increase wear and tear on your car’s parts and lower efficiency.
Furthermore, remember to do regular maintenance because skipping out on it might result in future, more costly problems. Next, think about becoming a member of an electric vehicle owners’ association. These associations may help you locate discounts on maintenance services as well as essential information and tools for keeping your vehicle. You may lower your electric car maintenance costs and maintain your vehicle in peak condition for many years by using the advice in this guide.
Do it yourself
It may be more cost-effective to maintain your electric vehicle yourself by doing some basic maintenance operations. The tire pressure on your car may be easily checked and maintained at home. All you need is an air compressor, which is commonly available at gas stations or car washes, and a tire pressure monitor. Changing the cabin air filter in your car is another task that you may do at home. Normally, this easy operation is removing a few screws and inserting a new filter.
It’s also a simple procedure that can be done at home to check and replenish your car’s fluid levels, including coolant and windshield wiper fluid. To ensure proper installation and safety, keep in mind that different maintenance tasks, such as brake pad replacement and battery maintenance, should be performed by a professional. Before performing any home maintenance work, read the owner’s manual for your vehicle and conduct some research to ensure you have the proper equipment and knowledge.
Affordable Substitutes for dealer services
There are a number of affordable alternatives to dealer services, which although frequently the preferred option for maintaining electric vehicles, can help you save money. Using independent mechanics or specialized electric car repair businesses is one alternative since they frequently have lower labor costs than dealerships and have access to cheaper parts sources. Consider DIY maintenance as an additional choice to save money on labor charges for simple jobs.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that some maintenance tasks, like battery replacement and complicated electrical repairs, should still be carried out by a professional to guarantee safety and appropriate installation. In order to get the greatest bargain, you should also look about for maintenance services and compare costs from several suppliers.
Several manufacturers of electric vehicles also provide extended warranties or prepaid maintenance plans, which can help you save money over time on maintenance expenditures. You may save money on electric car maintenance without compromising on quality or safety by looking into these affordable alternatives to dealer services.
FAQ On Electric Car Maintenance Cost
Q1. Do electric cars require a lot of maintenance?
The battery, motor, and accompanying electronics need little to no maintenance on a regular basis. Less fluids, such as engine oil, require routine maintenance. Regenerative braking reduces brake wear substantially.
Q2. How long do electric cars last?
Between the ages of 15-20. Yeah, but not as much as you expect or as quickly as you dread. According to current projections, most EV batteries will last between 15-20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles before needing to be changed; nevertheless, the battery is more likely to outlast the automobile.
Q3. Do electric cars wear out tires faster?
Electric car tires wear 20% faster than internal combustion engine tires owing to the acceleration of electric vehicles that create high instantaneous power
Q4. How much do EV tires cost?
Each tire costs between $150 and $300. Because there are fewer options for electric car tires, the cost of four new tires will be greater. EV-specific tires can cost between $150 and $300 per tire. Costs for certain high-performance variants rise from there.
Q5. Do electric cars need oil changes?
Electric vehicles do not require frequent oil changes since they do not have engine pistons, valves, or other moving parts that require lubrication. Because electric cars have totally different drivetrains than standard automobiles, you will never have to bother about routine oil changes.
Q6. Are electric cars reliable?
According to CR, its 2022 statistics “show that EVs as a group experience more frequent difficulties than traditional vehicles.” Owners cited issues “related to battery packs, charging, electric drive motors, and specific heating and cooling systems necessary for cars without a traditional engine.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric car maintenance is an important aspect of owning an electric vehicle. Regular maintenance not only helps keep your car running smoothly and prolongs its lifespan, but it can also save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs down the line.
By performing some maintenance tasks yourself and exploring cost-effective alternatives to dealer services, you can save money on electric car maintenance without sacrificing quality or safety. Remember to consult your car’s owner’s manual and do your research before attempting any maintenance tasks at home, and always seek professional help for complex repairs. By taking care of your electric car through regular maintenance, you can enjoy a reliable and efficient driving experience for years to come.