Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular each year, and for a good reason. These gasoline-free cars are cleaner, greener, and can save you money on fuel in the long run. But just like any other vehicle, electric vehicles require regular maintenance to perform their best and last as long as possible. Here are seven tips to help keep your electric vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
When traveling long-distance, entrust professional auto transport providers
Electric vehicles follow specific storage instructions when not in use to protect the battery, which you might want to consider when traveling long-distance. If you want to ship your car, an auto transport provider might be your best bet for their high level of experience in moving vehicles without causing wear and tear.
Auto transport providers like Guardian Auto Transport can tend to electric cars and offer general benefits, including saving you time, ensuring your car’s safety, direct agent contact, pre-loading car inspections, instant quotes, and on-time transportation. Many of these companies are also nationwide: for example, car shipping companies in Florida can bring your vehicle anywhere in the country.
When shipping your electric car, you might also want to follow a few tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle’s safety, including:
- Secure the battery to prevent a short circuit.
- Fully charge the battery before pickup/drop off, so you have enough charge to operate it when you arrive at your destination.
- Write down any existing car damage and take photos if you need to file a claim for in-transport damage.
- Turn off any automated car features, like alarms, to keep them from draining the battery.
These tips will ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the ground running when you reunite in your destination.
Don’t overcharge your vehicle
While topping off your charge might seem like a good idea, it can damage your electric vehicle’s battery. You can think about the concept like charging your phone or computer. If you keep your phone or computer plugged in beyond its total capacity, you train the battery to depend on a full charge. The same sentiment rings true for car batteries.
In addition, keeping your car charging past its total capacity causes the battery to heat up. Prolonged exposure to that kind of heat can damage the battery and lead to replacements or frequent maintenance needs.
Instead, it would be best to keep your electric vehicle charged between 30% and 80% to extend the battery’s life expectancy.
Try to use a certified charger when needed
Speaking of charging, you’ll also want to try and use a certified charger as much as possible. Certified chargers have passed the Electric Vehicle Charge Station Certification and have met strict quality and safety standards that ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Using a charge that has not received certification ultimately degrades its credibility. How do you know you’re receiving the correct voltage and a quality charge? The certification assures you that your vehicle will get the best possible charge from a reliable source. A non-certified charger could damage your vehicle or even your health, so it’s vital that you spring for the officially licensed versions.
Remember to service your brakes
Electric vehicles rely on a regenerative brake system, meaning that the brakes harness kinetic energy as power for the electric motor. These brakes don’t need the frequent changes or maintenance that standard gas-powered vehicles might need. However, that’s not to say these brakes don’t need any attention.
You should have the brakes checked every once in a while to ensure they work properly and provide you with the best performance.
Park in the shade whenever possible
Returning to the car battery topic, you would do best to park the car in the shade whenever possible, especially during the warmer months or if you plan to leave your vehicle parked for an extended amount of time.
Leaving your electric car parked in direct sunlight can cause the battery to overheat, which can lead to irreversible damage, short circuits, and other functionality issues. So, whether you need to run errands or have to park your car outdoors somewhere, you should look for a nice, shady space.
Don’t rely on the quick charge
Since the battery is the most vital part of an electric car, you should take care of it accordingly. This care means charging your car for the appropriate duration rather than relying on a quick charge. A fast charge is a great solution when you’re in a pinch, but when used too frequently, it can end up taking years off of your battery’s lifespan.
Tend to the motor as you would a standard, gas vehicle
Although electric vehicles have considerably different motors than a standard, gas-reliant vehicle, you should maintain it the same. The engine is essential in keeping your car functional and your rides smooth. As such, you’ll want to take the vehicle into your dealership or preferred auto shop – preferably one that specializes in electric cars – and have the motor checked and serviced regularly.
Before you go
To keep your electric car running optimally and lasting as long as possible, you must take care of the vehicle. Keeping in line with your car’s scheduled maintenance will keep your horseless carriage purring like a kitten for years to come.
