It’s safe to say that electric vehicles have become more than just a novelty. While they are still more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, their prices have been coming down in the last couple of years. More people are accepting the up-front price tag because they realize that electric cars are an investment in the future. Not only are owners of EV’s saving the environment, but they are also saving money in the long run because of lower costs of maintenance and fuel.
That being said, there are a couple of electric car maintenance costs that future buyers need to be aware of. Today we will discuss some of the most significant upkeep expenses related to electric cars, so if you ever wondered what’s the average Tesla maintenance cost, then this article is for you!
Taking Care of Your Battery
What an internal combustion engine is to a regular car, a battery is to an electric one. Vehicles powered by electricity rely on advanced battery packs to power the electric motor under the hood. Like all other batteries, electric car batteries have a lifespan and lose capacity over time. How long will the battery retain its maximum capacity will depend on the model of your EV, but also the way you treat it. Taking care of it means you’re not leaving your car for extended periods in hot or cold temperatures. You should also focus on avoiding draining the battery completely and charging it too often. Consult your owner’s manual and do your best to keep your battery healthy in order to avoid untimely expenses.
Swapping Summer and Winter Tires
Swapping tires by season is not something that’s common only for electric car maintenance. However, it’s even more important due to the sheer power and acceleration these vehicles have. EV’s exert a lot of torque and therefore put a lot of pressure onto the super single tires. Driving with the wrong tires will cause them to deteriorate faster, costing you more money in the process.
Flushing Brake Fluid
Contrary to popular belief, electric cars have regular brake discs and pads. These parts function just like your standard braking system found in conventional internal combustion cars. They also require hydraulic fluid in order to operate reliably, so make sure to flush it on a regular basis.
Aside from flushing the fluid that assured your brakes are working properly, you also want to take care of the pads and discs. Worn out brakes are one of the most common problems with electric cars. Drivers new to driving EVs usually have an adjustment period and tend to step on the brakes more frequently than it’s necessary. Also, the terrain can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your braking system.
EVs are powered by a sophisticated electric car engine that’s proven to be superior to its internal combustion counterpart in numerous ways. That being said, even these modern engines rely on coolant to prevent overheating. How often you change this fluid will depend on several factors, mostly what kind of electric vehicle you own. Again, you should refer to the owner’s manual.
Windscreens, Wipers and Washer Fluid
Even though they are high-tech, electric cars use the same old wipers as you would find on conventional vehicles. These need to be replaced just like washer fluid. Windscreens are just susceptible to chips and cracks as they are on your regular gasoline car. Make sure to do your best to keep it in pristine conditions; else you might be in for a big repair bill.
In general, electric cars share some of the expenses with conventional vehicles. That being said, they are considered to be low maintenance cars in the sense that you’re saving a ton of money on fuel and on replacing components such as fuel pumps, fuel lines, and fuel tanks. Here at Phoenix Towing, we’re all about keeping up with the latest trends in the vehicle industry, so if you’re eager to learn more about the convenience of owning an electric car, you should keep up with our blog!