More and more people are choosing to buy electric cars. Younger generations choose to buy these cars because of their environmental friendliness. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric car, or have already made the switch, here are a few things you need to know about taking care of your electric car.
Keep It Charged Up
One of the most important things you can do for your electric car is to make sure it is always properly charged. Most electric cars have a range of around 100 miles (160.93 km), so it’s important to plan your trips accordingly and always have enough juice to get where you’re going and back again. You can charge your car at home overnight or during the day at a public charging station. Just be sure not to let your battery run too low; that can damage it and shorten its lifespan.
In terms of charge cycles, electric car batteries are very different from the Duracells in your home. Car manufacturers consider charging when automatically adjusting how a car utilizes its battery. This means that owners don’t need to worry about charge cycles in the same way.
Keep an Eye on the Tires
Another thing to remember with an electric car is that, because they are so heavy, they can wear out tires quicker than a traditional gas-powered car. So it’s important to check your tires often and rotate them every 5,000 miles (8,046.72 km) or so. This will help prolong their life and keep you safe on the road.
Avoid Parking Outside During Winter
The cold is bad for your car’s battery. Ideally, avoid parking outside during winter. If you have to park outside, try to park in a garage or under a carport to help keep your battery from getting too cold.
You should also avoid charging your car when it’s very cold out; that can also damage the battery. If you must charge your car in cold weather, let it warm up for a bit first by driving around your neighborhood to help protect the battery.
Regularly Maintain Your Brakes
Maintaining an electric car’s brakes is important for the same reasons as it is with any other car. You should regularly check your brake fluid and pads to ensure they are in good condition.
Additionally, if your electric car has an energy recovery system attached to the brakes, be sure to have it inspected regularly to make sure it is working properly.
Mind Your Driving
How you drive impacts your vehicle, whether you’re driving a gas-powered car or an electric car. Sudden starts and stops can shorten the life of your electric car’s battery, so it’s important to drive smoothly and steadily whenever possible.
Of course, you also want to avoid driving too fast, especially during winter. When the weather is cold, your electric car’s battery will lose power faster, so it’s important to take it easy on the accelerator and keep your speed steady. The faster you drive, the more energy your car uses and the shorter your range will be. So it’s important to find a happy medium between efficiency and speed.
Apply Window Tints and Car Wraps
A dark window tint and vinyl car wraps offer more than just style; they can also help protect your car’s paint job from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This is especially important in hot climates where the sun can quickly fade and damage your car’s paint.
Both window tints and car wraps are relatively inexpensive and easy to apply, so there’s no reason not to do it. Plus, it’ll make your car look cool!
Watch for Recalls
Just like any other type of car, electric cars can be subject to recalls from time to time. For example, Tesla recently issued a recall for more than 1 million cars in America to address problematic power windows. The 1 million cars being recalled, a third of all the vehicles the manufacturer has built ever, pose a serious safety risk to consumers.
Of course, Tesla is not the only company that has had to recall electric cars; other manufacturers have as well. Be sure to stay up-to-date on any recalls affecting your vehicle and take care of them immediately if needed. Your safety — and the safety of those around you — is always the most important thing.
Electric cars are a great choice for young people who want to save money and do their part for the environment. But they do require extra care to keep them running properly. By following these simple tips, you can keep your electric car in tip-top shape for years to come!
