Top Needs for Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Introduction
There is no question that electric vehicles are the way of the future. They are filled with innovation and will bring out the best in our country’s future. Although they have their set issues and needs, electric vehicles are meant for saving on the gas bill and saving our planet. With that being said, electric vehicles also have their downfalls that need to be considered. They need special attention from certain technicians. Here are the top needs of every electric or hybrid vehicle:
Battery Care
The electric vehicle’s battery is the costly component of the vehicle. It is also the vehicle’s most valuable component. It is extremely heavy, very expensive, and a huge factor for the residual value. Neglecting a battery’s needs is not good. It is important to take off like it is the engine of a gasoline vehicle. It can suffer when it is sitting in extreme temperatures for a long time. It is highly recommended to keep some juice in it versus going completely dead. It is also important to make sure to not overcharge the battery. These are all commonalities in the owner’s manual. Please consult with your vehicle’s manufacturer about the proper steps to take to monitor your battery’s health.
Brake Service
The brake pads, discs, and fluid are all essential for electric vehicles. For brake fluid, it is to be known that electric vehicles do most of their stopping by regenerative braking, where the mechanical brakes are not in use. Although this is a great innovation, electric vehicles do have normal brake discs and pads. They are pressed together with hydraulic fluid, which is found in mechanical cars as well. The fluid itself is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water and other fluids from the air. This results in corrosion in the brake system unless it is flushed regularly. Separate from the fluid are the discs and pads. The service needed for the pads and discs is dependent on the amount the electric vehicle is driven, how rough it is driven, the terrain in your area, and the regenerative settings.
Coolant Service
Although electric vehicles do not have an engine, they still require coolant to keep the monsoon of a battery cool. If there was no coolant for an electric vehicle, it would be set on fire (like a gasoline car would). The coolant system should be flushed following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some vehicles require a flush every four years or 50,000 miles, and some vehicles don’t need to be flushed for up to 150,000 miles. It goes back to the manufacturer’s guidelines.