A man and child walk towards their front door while an electric vehicles charges out front, showing one way to maintain an electric vehicle

As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you're invested in helping the environment by reducing your emissions, and you’re hoping that investment sticks around for the long haul. To make sure your EV serves you well for years to come, regular maintenance is crucial. Follow this comprehensive guide of common maintenance tasks that every EV owner should perform to extend the life of your vehicle:

  1. Take care of your car’s battery. The battery is the heart of your EV, so it's important to charge it properly. Lithium-ion batteries in EVs prefer a partial charge cycle, so avoid draining the battery below 30% and never let your battery sit at a 100% charge. Keep your car’s battery between 30%-80% to help extend its life and only complete a full charge right before you take a big trip. Use the recommended charging stations and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging and storage. For cold climates, remote start your vehicle's preconditioning cycle and let it run for about 30 minutes before unplugging it from the charger. This will warm up your car’s interior without depleting the battery before you hit the road.
  2. Check your tire pressure. EVs are heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, so it's important to maintain proper tire pressure to keep it driving as efficiently as possible. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specifications. Also, rotate your tires every 10,000-13,000 kilometres to reduce uneven wear.
  3. Get your brakes inspected. Most EVs use some form of a regenerative braking system, which reduces wear on the brake pads. However, it's still important to have your brakes inspected regularly — especially since EVs are heavier and require more force when braking. Look for signs of wear or damage on the brake pads and rotors and have them replaced if necessary.

    Did you know that electric vehicles (EVs) are heavier than gasoline-powered cars? That means EVs require frequent tire and brake maintenance to drive safely and efficiently.

  4. Top up your fluids. While EVs don't require oil changes, they do have other fluids that need to be checked and replaced periodically. These include brake fluid and windshield washer fluid. Some EVs even require you to change the battery pack coolant once every fifteen years. Always refer to your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.
  5. Don’t fall behind on software updates. Like a smartphone, EVs rely on software to operate, and manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. Check in frequently with your EV manufacturer to see if your software is up to date to keep your road trips safe and carefree.
  6. Clean your EV regularly. Just like any other vehicle, EVs need to be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. Wash your EV with a mild soap and water solution and avoid using harsh chemicals. Pay close attention to the battery compartment and charging port to keep them clean and free of debris.
  7. Take your EV in for ongoing check-ups. In addition to the regular maintenance tasks, have your EV inspected by a qualified mechanic annually. They can perform a thorough check of all major components, including the battery’s health, brakes, tires, and electrical system.

By following these tips and your car’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedule, you can extend the life of your electric vehicle and enjoy its benefits for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is an investment in your EV's performance, safety, and longevity. Not currently an EV owner and on the fence about whether an EV is the right type of vehicle for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of electric and hybrid cars.

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