The Complete Guide to Electric Vehicle Maintenance

All About Electric Vehicle Maintenance

Although electric vehicles may have a more expensive initial purchase price, overtime they are cheaper to maintain than their conventionally powered counterparts. Without an internal combustion engine (ICE), there are far fewer parts in an electric vehicle (EV) that require frequent repair or replacement. However, all car’s need a little bit of elbow grease every once in a while. Continue reading to learn all about the electric vehicle maintenance needed to keep your ride running smoothly.

EV vs. ICE Maintenance

There’s no denying that an electric vehicle is easier, and cheaper, to maintain than a gasoline powered vehicle. After all, the battery and motor in an EV require little to no regular maintenance, and there are fewer fluids to worry about replacing, such as engine oil. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, those who purchase an electric vehicle can expect to save an average of $4,600 in repair and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle compared to a gasoline powered car. On average, EVs cost about $900 a year to maintain, whereas ICE vehicles cost roughly $1,200.

Learn More: How to Stay Up-To-Date on Your Car Maintenance This Winter

EV Maintenance Overview

Although EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, they still need a little TLC once in a while. Let’s discuss the typical schedule for electric vehicle maintenance.

Monthly

As far as monthly maintenance goes, there is not much you have to worry about as an electric vehicle owner. Luckily, all you’ll need to maintain on a month to month basis is your tires and windshield wiper fluid. You’ll want to check your tires at least every 30 days to ensure that they are properly inflated and are free of wear and tear. Additionally, you’ll need to check your windshield wiper fluid and top it off if needed.

Every 7,500 Miles

Every 7,500 miles, you should have your tires rotated to prevent uneven wear — as that can create a potentially unstable driving surface. Additionally, you should make it a priority to check your coolant level for your battery, power inverter, cabin heater, accessory power and charger modules. Other maintenance needs to look out for at the 7,500 mile mark are:

• Visually check for any fluid leaks
• Inspect your brakes, steering and suspension for wear or damage
• Inspect the gas struts
• Check the car’s light bulbs and replace any if necessary

Every 15,000 Miles

Once you have surpassed 15,000 miles, you should replace your windshield wiper blades. When your wiper blades are worn or damaged, they can’t make proper contact with the windshield surface. This causes them to squeak, smear, or streak, and can dramatically reduce your road visibility during inclement weather.

Every 36,000 Miles

At 36,000 miles, you need to replace your cabin air filter — which is the device responsible for filtering the air that enters the cabin of your vehicle through the heating and AC systems. Your cabin air filter is critical to replace as needed in order to have healthy air quality inside your vehicle.

Every 75,000 Miles

Every 75,000 miles, it’s recommended that you replace your vehicle’s suspension gas struts. It’s vital that you replace them — as they are responsible for supporting the weight of your vehicle and contain a shock absorber that dampens shocks and vibrations. Additionally, you should replace your brake fluid at this time. Because without brake fluid, it would take a lot more than just your foot to stop your car!

Battery Health

Your electric vehicle’s battery is the most costly component that needs replacing. However, under normal conditions, batteries can last up to ten years before they need to be replaced — which is much longer than people usually keep a new car. So, unless you’re shopping for used vehicles, you may not even have to worry about the life of the battery.

If for any reason you may need your battery replaced prematurely, most manufacturers will provide you with a warranty — generally eight years or 100,000 miles.

Schedule Your Electric Vehicle Maintenance at Burlington Kia

The best and easiest way to avoid a costly repair bill down the road is to have routine maintenance performed by a certified technician. Thankfully, here at Burlington Kia we offer incredible service at an unbeatable price!

If you, or anyone you know, is in need of a maintenance check, don’t hesitate to contact our team! Click the button below or visit our website to schedule your appointment!