Although relatively obscure just a few years ago, Electric Vehicles (EV) have become quite popular and can be seen in just about any city in the US. EVs offer instant torque, a quiet ride, and a futuristic experience.

While Electric Vehicles typically have a higher retail cost, there are some traditional maintenance items, like an oil change, that are no longer performed, which helps balance the total cost.

When many consumers purchase an EV, they may assume they are purchasing a maintenance-free vehicle. While EVs don’t require some traditional services like fluid replacement, belt replacement, or power steering pump replacement, they are not totally maintenance-free.

They require regular maintenance for things like brakes, tires, filters, and so on. The battery pack will also require service to some degree.

Tires and Tire Rotation

Electric Vehicles still wear tires and, in many cases, wear tires faster than a traditional vehicle. EVs can weigh significantly more, and with the instant torque, they may create uneven or increased wear. EV motorists should rotate their tires just as they would in a normal vehicle.

This easy and simple maintenance item can help maximize the lifespan of your tires. According to the Motorist Assurance Program, rotating tires every 5,000 miles is highly recommended. However, following the guidelines outlined by the vehicle manufacturer is always the way to go. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual may have a different mileage interval, so checking the vehicle’s recommended maintenance intervals will ensure you are doing everything you can to get the most out of your tires.

Even with a normal tire rotation routine, you may see your replacement interval sooner. In addition to tire rotation, it is always good to ensure you have the correct tire pressure. The manufacturer’s specifications for the proper tire pressure for your vehicle are found on a placard, typically on the driver’s door jamb.

When it comes time to replace your tires, you may want to look for something specifically designed for your EV that is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires that are designed for your EV have some attributes that you may not get if you choose otherwise. Many EV tires have some insulation within the tire. The manufacturers put the insulation there because without the engine's noise, it brings other noises to our attention, and some of that noise will come from your tires. This insulation reduces that noise, giving you a more pleasant drive.

Brakes

The braking system is critical, and the braking system on an EV is very similar to the one in a traditional vehicle. The braking system consists of a master cylinder that holds brake fluid and creates pressure. When you depress the brakes, this fluid travels from the master cylinder down to the brake caliper. The caliper then squeezes the rotor and slows down the vehicle.

In an Electric Vehicle, there is something called regenerative braking. This process converts the energy of the moving vehicle into electrical power, which charges the battery. In addition to charging the battery, it slows the vehicle down. This change in technology may prolong your brake pads from wearing out, but it doesn’t mean your brakes will last forever.

That being said, it’s still important to have your brakes inspected regularly, and routine checks may be required as part of your manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule. Whether it is time for scheduled maintenance or you are experiencing symptoms, Pep Boys can help and offer a Free Brake System Evaluation.

Coolant

Similar to an internal combustion engine, the electrical components of an EV can get very hot. To combat the heat, the vehicle is designed with a cooling system that circulates through a component or battery and pulls the heat out, and is cooled through a heat exchanger, which is similar to a radiator. This cooling system should be inspected and serviced at the proper maintenance interval suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. The system may require a special fluid; these specialty fluids can be confusing, but the professionals at your local Pep Boys are here to assist you. If you need assistance, click here to book an appointment.

Filters

An EV may not have an engine air filter, but it does have filters that may require inspection and maintenance. The cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and other pollutants out of the cabin compartment. Other filters related to the EV system may also require inspection and replacement. Pep Boys recommends following all the maintenance intervals suggested by the vehicle manufacturer.

Although EVs may have fewer components, those components are critical to the vehicle's reliability. If the systems are not performing at their peak, it may lead to more costly repairs, particularly when related to the high-voltage battery or other high-voltage components.

Even with fewer components, there are still costs to maintaining an EV, but staying on top of them will help keep the vehicle reliable.