Tips and Tricks for Properly Maintaining an Electric Vehicle

So, you’ve joined the electric revolution and are now the proud owner of an electric vehicle (EV). Congratulations! You’re likely enjoying the instant torque, the silent ride, and the freedom from gas stations. But as a car enthusiast, you know that owning any vehicle means taking care of it. The good news is that maintaining an EV is often simpler and cheaper than a traditional gas-powered car, but it does come with its own unique set of rules.

Gone are the days of oil changes, spark plug replacements, and exhaust system worries. Instead, your focus will shift to the battery, tires, and a few other key components. Let’s dive into the essential tips and tricks that will keep your EV running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

The Heart of the Matter: Battery Health

Your EV’s battery is its most important and expensive component, so treating it right is your top priority. Think of it as the heart of your car. Proper care will maximize its lifespan and maintain its range.

Charging Habits Make a Difference

How you charge your EV has a massive impact on the long-term health of its battery. While it might be tempting to plug it in and charge to 100% every night, this isn’t the best practice for daily driving.

• The 80/20 Rule: For everyday use, try to keep your battery’s state of charge between 20% and 80%. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most EVs, experience the most stress when they are either fully charged or nearly empty. Staying within this middle range reduces that stress and can significantly prolong the battery’s life. Most modern EVs allow you to set a charging limit, making this an easy habit to adopt.
• Save 100% for Long Trips: Of course, there will be times when you need all the range you can get. Charging to 100% right before a long road trip is perfectly fine. The key is not to let the car sit with a full charge for extended periods. If you charge to 100% the night before, try to start your journey soon after it’s finished.
• Limit DC Fast Charging: DC fast chargers are incredibly convenient for road trips, adding hundreds of miles of range in under an hour. However, they pump a huge amount of power into the battery, which generates more heat and puts more strain on the battery cells than slower Level 2 (240V) charging. Think of it like eating: a balanced home-cooked meal is better for you long-term than chugging energy drinks. Use fast chargers when you need them on the road, but rely on Level 2 charging at home or work for your day-to-day needs.

Temperature is Key

EV batteries have a “Goldilocks” complex—they don’t like it too hot or too cold. Your car has a sophisticated thermal management system to keep the battery in its ideal temperature range, but you can help it out.

• Avoid Extreme Heat: Whenever possible, park your EV in the shade or in a garage during hot summer days. If your car is plugged in, the thermal management system can use shore power to cool the battery without draining it. Leaving your car baking in the sun with a very high or very low state of charge can degrade the battery over time.
• Cold Weather Considerations: In winter, you’ll notice a temporary reduction in range. This is normal. The cold slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it less efficient. To help with this, precondition your car while it’s still plugged in. This uses power from the grid to warm up both the battery and the cabin, so you start your drive with an optimal battery temperature and a full charge.

Don’t Forget the Brakes (Even Though You Use Them Less)

One of the coolest features of an EV is regenerative braking. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the electric motor runs in reverse, slowing the car down while also generating electricity to send back to the battery. Many EV drivers love “one-pedal driving,” where they rarely need to touch the brake pedal in normal traffic.

This is great for efficiency, but it means your traditional friction brakes (the pads and rotors) get used much less often. While this extends their life dramatically—some EV owners go over 100,000 miles without needing a brake job—it can lead to other issues. Rust and corrosion can build up on the rotors from lack of use, especially in wet or snowy climates.

To combat this, make a point to use your physical brakes firmly every now and then. This helps clean off any surface rust from the rotors and keeps the caliper pins and other moving parts lubricated and functional. You don’t need to slam on them, but a few intentional, solid stops in a safe location will do the trick. Also, have your brakes inspected periodically to ensure everything is moving freely.

Tire Care is More Important Than Ever

Tires on an EV have a tough job. They have to handle the instant torque from the electric motor, and they are often carrying more weight due to the heavy battery pack. This combination can lead to faster tire wear compared to a comparable gasoline car.

• Rotate and Inflate: Proper tire maintenance is crucial. Stick to a regular rotation schedule, typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, to ensure even wear. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires not only wear out faster but also reduce your vehicle’s range by increasing rolling resistance. The correct pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
• Choose the Right Tires: When it’s time for a new set, consider getting EV-specific tires. These are designed with stronger sidewalls to handle the extra weight and a compound that can withstand the instant torque. They are also optimized for low rolling resistance to maximize range and often include foam inserts to reduce road noise, which is more noticeable without an engine sound to mask it.

Fluids and Filters: The Short List

While you’ve said goodbye to oil changes, your EV isn’t completely fluid-free. The list is just much, much shorter.

• Coolant: Your EV’s battery, motor, and power electronics generate heat and need a liquid cooling system to stay at the right temperature. This system contains a special type of coolant. Unlike the coolant in a gas engine, it doesn’t have to deal with the byproducts of combustion, so it lasts much longer. However, it will eventually need to be flushed and replaced. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval, which could be as long as 150,000 miles.
• Brake Fluid: Just like any car, your EV uses hydraulic brake fluid. This fluid can absorb moisture over time, which reduces its effectiveness. It should be tested for moisture and replaced every two to three years, regardless of how many miles you’ve driven.
• Cabin Air Filter: This filter cleans the air that comes into the passenger compartment. It should be replaced every year or two, or more often if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen. A clogged filter will reduce the effectiveness of your heating and AC system.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: This one is simple. Top it off whenever it gets low!

Properly maintaining your electric vehicle is straightforward and less demanding than caring for a gas-powered car. By focusing on smart charging habits, taking care of your tires and brakes, and keeping up with the few fluids it does have, you’ll ensure your EV remains a joy to drive. You get to enjoy the performance and technology while spending less time and money in the service bay—a true win-win for any car enthusiast.