Thinking of making the switch to an electric car soon? Here’s everything you need to know about maintenance and repairs before you do.
The electric car market is booming.
Last year, sales increased by 40%, and over 40,000 new electric vehicles were registered in December alone.
There are many advantages of making the switch – from lower running costs and a better driving experience to reduced carbon emissions.
But if you’re itching to get rid of your old diesel or petrol vehicle, there are some things you should know before getting an electric car.
In this article, our expert mechanics at CJ Auto Service answer some of the most frequently asked questions about electric vehicles and explain everything you need to know before you purchase one.
How do I take care of an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than petrol and diesel cars, as they have far fewer moving parts.
But this doesn’t mean they require no maintenance at all.
You’ll still need regular tyre rotations, fluid replacements, and filter changes, but there are some additional things you’ll need to do if you want to keep your EV in peak condition.
These include:
- Avoid extreme temperatures – extreme hot or cold temperatures can affect your EV battery performance, so make sure to keep your vehicle sheltered as much as possible to avoid premature battery failure.
- Don’t use rapid chargers exclusively – whilst rapid chargers are super convenient, they’re not the best for battery health, so only use them when you need a quick top-up.
- Try not to charge the battery fully – most manufacturers recommend charging your electric vehicle to 80%, and only letting this percentage fall to about 20% before putting it back on charge.
How can I tell if I need an electrical vehicle repair?
Some of the most common electrical car repairs include battery replacements and charging system issues.
Of course, if your electric car won’t start, or it’s taking longer than usual, this is a surefire sign that there’s an issue with the battery – but sometimes, the signs that it may be in poor health can be more subtle.
For example, you may have problems operating other electrics inside your car – such as electric windows, heaters, and seats.
As far as charging system problems go, some of the most common issues EV drivers face are incompatible cable connectors and faulty pod points – but your EV battery may not be charging properly because there’s a problem with the battery itself.
Can anyone repair an electric vehicle?
Mechanics that carry out repairs on petrol and diesel cars need additional qualifications if they want to perform electrical vehicle repairs.
This is because EVs use electrical equipment that requires special knowledge and training, so if you need an electrical car repair, you should seek help from a mechanic with these specialist qualifications.
Are electrical vehicle repairs more expensive?
Just like ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, repair costs depend entirely on the nature and severity of the problem. Of course, the most severe problems will be the priciest to repair.
However, you may end up paying slightly more to have your EV repaired, as it requires specialist knowledge and skills, and the parts may be more difficult or expensive to replace.
Need expert advice?
Got a problem with your vehicle and need to book in for an electrical car repair?
Need more expert EV maintenance tips?
We’re here for you!
All of our mechanics here at CJ Auto have all of the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to undertake all manner of electrical car repairs – including annual servicing.
So, if you’re based in or near Warrington, there’s no better team to turn to.
Give us a call today on 01925 589 066 to arrange an appointment, or send your questions to our friendly reception team at reception@cjautoservice.co.uk and we’ll be in touch shortly.
