Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity among environmentally conscious drivers because of their zero-emission capabilities, lower operating costs, and smooth, quiet ride. As more people buy EVs, knowing how to keep them running at their best becomes essential.
Regular maintenance extends the car’s life, keeps batteries efficient, and maintains overall performance, helping owners get the most out of their vehicle’s investment. Even though EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than their ICE counterparts, they still need regular attention to critical components to operate efficiently and safely.
Keep reading to explore expert tips and maintenance insights for your electric vehicle.
What Maintenance Does an Electric Car Need?
While electric vehicles (EVs) require less maintenance than their gasoline-powered counterparts, there are still several key components that need attention to keep your EV running smoothly.
Here’s a breakdown of what maintenance is required for an electric car:
- Battery Maintenance
The battery is the most critical component of an electric vehicle. It’s essential to maintain the battery to ensure the vehicle’s performance and longevity.
- Regular Charging: Charging habits play a significant role in battery life. Avoid charging to 100% all the time, and try not to let the battery drop below 20%. Keeping the charge between 20-80% can help preserve battery health.
- Thermal Management: Many EVs have a built-in thermal management system to keep the battery at optimal temperatures. Ensure that this system is functioning correctly, especially in extreme weather conditions.
- Tyre Maintenance
Tyres on electric vehicles tend to wear out faster than those on traditional cars due to the instant torque of electric motors.
- Tyre Pressure: Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing range and performance. Check tyre pressure monthly and before long trips.
- Tyre Rotation: Rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear. Check tyre tread depth regularly to ensure there’s adequate grip.
- Alignment: Keep an eye on the vehicle’s alignment. Misalignment can cause uneven tyre wear and affect handling.
- Brake System Maintenance
EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces wear on the brake pads, but the brake system still requires maintenance.
- Brake Fluid: Brake fluid should be checked and replaced every 2 to 3 years or as recommended by your manufacturer.
- Regenerative Braking: While regenerative braking reduces brake wear, you should still inspect your brake pads periodically to ensure they’re in proper condition.
- Cooling System
The battery and electric motor generate heat, and an effective cooling system is essential for maintaining performance.
- Coolant Levels: Check coolant levels and replace the coolant at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Overheating can damage the battery and other components.
- HVAC System: Regularly check the HVAC system for performance, including air conditioning and heating.
- Software and Firmware Updates
Many EVs have sophisticated software that controls vehicle systems such as the battery, motor, and infotainment system. Keeping the software updated ensures your EV runs smoothly.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Many EVs can receive updates via Wi-Fi, which improves functionality, adds features, and may even optimise battery usage.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Some manufacturers may schedule software updates, so ensure your vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi when updates are available.
- Electric Motor and Powertrain Maintenance
Electric motors used in EVs are much less complex compared to conventional internal combustion engines, but they do require routine maintenance to ensure longevity and smooth operation.
- Lubrication and Cooling: Although most EVs don’t require traditional oil changes, some models, especially older ones, can still benefit from periodic lubrication of the electric motor.
It’s also important to check the motor cooling system to ensure it functions properly and maintains the motor at the correct temperature.
- System Checks: Any unusual sounds, vibrations, or driving issues may indicate a problem with the motor or drivetrain.
- Inverter and Power Electronics Maintenance
The inverter plays a vital role in transforming DC electricity from the battery into AC electricity that powers the electric motor. These power electronics are essential to the overall performance of your EV.
- Cooling System: Regularly inspect the inverter’s cooling system to prevent overheating. Overheating can lead to poor performance or damage to the powertrain.
- Error Codes: Most new EVs are equipped with diagnostic systems that alert you to any faults with the inverter or power electronics. Be sure to scan for error codes and address them promptly.
- Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Ensure all high-voltage cables and connections are in good condition and properly insulated. Bad wiring can lead to power loss or even safety hazards.
Do EVs Need an Oil Change?
Electric cars (EVs) don’t require traditional engine oil changes because they lack an internal combustion engine. They also don’t need spark plug replacements, making EV maintenance simpler and cleaner than that of standard gasoline or diesel vehicles.
But EVs do use lubricating oil in the reduction gearbox, which helps ensure smooth power transfer. This oil doesn’t need frequent changing, but can be replaced after extensive use, depending on the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and driving habits.
Maintenance Schedule for EVs
Regular checkups and maintenance are essential for electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure consistent performance, extend battery life, and lower maintenance costs. Most EV manufacturers recommend following a routine maintenance schedule to keep your car in optimal condition.
Monthly Checkups
- Inspect tyre pressure on all wheels and adjust as needed.
- Check for uneven or excessive tyre tread wear.
- Refill windshield washer fluid if it’s running low.
Every 8,000 km to 11,000 km
- Replace lubricants for moving parts to prevent sludge or carbon buildup.
- Rotate tyres according to your EV’s design for even wear.
- Inspect coolant levels and top up if required.
- Check the cabin AC, power inverter, and other electrical systems.
- Examine steering, brakes, suspension, and chassis for damage or irregular wear.
- Inspect the driveshaft and power steering components.
- Test all lights and replace any faulty ones.
After 25,000 km
- Check and replace transmission fluids if necessary.
- Replace cabin air filters to maintain clean airflow.
- Change windshield wiper blades for optimal visibility.
After 48,000 km
- Flush and refill the coolant system with fresh fluid.
- Replace the power steering fluid for smoother handling.
- Refill or replace brake fluid as needed.
Note: Maintenance intervals can vary between EV brands and models. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.
Tips on Electric Car Maintenance
The following are the tips to maintain an electric car:
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Service Schedule: Always follow your EV manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals to keep the vehicle in top condition, ensuring optimal battery performance, smooth operation, and long-term reliability.
- Check Tyre Health Regularly: Inspect tyre pressure and tread wear monthly to maintain efficiency and safety. Proper tyre care improves driving comfort, enhances mileage, and prevents uneven wear or unexpected blowouts.
- Monitor Battery Health: Avoid keeping your EV battery fully charged or completely drained for long periods. Aim to maintain charge levels between 20% and 80% to help extend battery life and ensure consistent performance.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your EV’s software to access performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced energy management features, ensuring your car runs efficiently and remains compatible with new technology.
- Inspect Brake Components: Even though EVs use regenerative braking, it’s essential to regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and fluids to prevent wear issues and maintain sensitive braking performance and overall safety.
- Clean and Protect Charging Ports: Regularly clean charging ports and keep them free from dust and debris. Use protective covers if provided to prevent dust or moisture buildup, ensuring safe and efficient charging every time.
- Maintain Coolant Levels: Regularly monitor coolant levels since EV power electronics and batteries rely on effective cooling systems. Proper coolant maintenance prevents overheating and enhances battery performance.
- Park Properly: When not using your EV for extended periods, park in a shaded or cool location and maintain a 50–60% charge level to prevent battery degradation and performance loss.
Electric cars require less maintenance than conventional vehicles, but regular service remains essential to keep peak performance and battery life. Following scheduled maintenance consistently helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your EV continues to run smoothly for decades.
Conclusion
By maintaining tyres, brakes, cooling systems, and software updates, EV users can enhance driving comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Simple habits like performing battery health checks and keeping charging ports clean significantly contribute to long-term performance.
Overall, practising proper EV maintenance not only boosts reliability and longevity but also promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly driving experience. A well-maintained electric vehicle delivers smoother rides, lower costs, and greater value over time.
FAQs about EV Maintenance
Q. How often should I service my electric car?
Perform simple do-it-yourself (DIY) checks each month to keep your EV in good condition. Also, schedule professional service after every 8,000 km, 11,000 km, 25,000 km, or 48,000 km, whichever is specified in your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Q. What is the battery life of an electric vehicle?
In India, most electric vehicles come with a battery warranty that lasts 6 to 8 years. However, with proper care and usage, an EV battery can typically last between 10 to 20 years before needing replacement.
Q. Do EV batteries require coolant?
Yes, EVs use coolant to regulate battery temperature and prevent overheating. It’s essential to monitor and replace the coolant as per schedule to maintain optimal battery performance and longevity.
Q. How often should EV tyres be rotated?
EV tyres wear out faster due to instant torque. It’s advised to rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (about 10,000–13,000 km) to promote even wear and maintain driving efficiency and safety.
Q. Do electric cars need brake maintenance?
Yes, although regenerative braking reduces brake pad wear, it is essential to check the brake system regularly. Inspect brake pads, discs, and brake fluid to ensure proper and responsive braking performance.
