Electric Car Repairs 101: All the Basics You Need to Know

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular every day. With gas prices on the rise, it’s no wonder people are turning to electric cars as an alternative. If you own an electric car, you know that it’s important to keep up with regular repairs and maintenance. In this article, we will discuss all the basics you need to know about electric car repairs!

Electric cars have gained in popularity over the last decade. They’re just as complex as traditional gasoline-powered automobiles, allowing for greater comfort and even semi-autonomous capabilities. However, with all of these new technological features comes a slew of complicated auto repairs that might intimidate many first-time buyers. If you’re looking to purchase an electric vehicle or already own one, you need to understand what to expect if something goes wrong. Let’s take a look at some of the most common repairs on electric cars.

1. Failure of Regenerative Brakes

The regenerative brakes of an electric vehicle are prone to wear down, causing a brake repair that is among the most common repairs. The regenerative brake is a feature in electric cars that captures kinetic energy and uses it to slow the car. While these brakes are more durable than normal pads, if drivers continue to rely solely on them when the regenerative brakes fail, they don’t work properly and can warp brake rotors.

When decelerating, the effectiveness of regenerative brakes wears off, posing a considerable risk to electric car drivers and passengers. Check to ensure that your battery is in good operating order. You may also seek the help of an auto repair professional to fix your vehicle following a collision and have them do the required diagnostics.

2. Repairing Dents

Regardless of the severity of the incident, your electric car will almost probably be dented or scratched. Because the battery is placed within the vehicle’s structure, even a little fender accident might cause the battery to malfunction and possibly fail.

If this occurs during or after an accident, electric vehicles will almost always require more than a basic dent repair. In these situations, it’s vital to find a firm that can assist you in getting your automobile back in working order. While the possibility of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on auto repairs isn’t appealing, the alternative of not having access to private transportation can also be a significant impediment to your daily commute.

There are websites online that can provide you with a competitive price for excellent dent repair services in your region.

3. Replacement of an electric battery

A battery in an electric car has an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years or approximately 100,000 miles. When the battery begins to wear down or overheat excessively, it must be replaced since it is a key component of the car’s operation. While you may try to jump your battery to get it back up and running, the juice will eventually run out, forcing you to search for another one. This is difficult because the battery comes in first when it comes to the most expensive repairs associated with electric car ownership. If the damage is considerable, the battery pack must be replaced entirely in some situations. In any case, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected regularly or have a trusted mechanic diagnose potential problems with your car and make appropriate repairs if needed. It’s important to use a high-quality car charging station to further prevent issues. 

4. Refueling Fluids

While you won’t have to visit the gas station to fill up on diesel anymore, an electric vehicle still has three key fluid types to consider.

• Brake fluid: Every four to five years, replenish your electric car’s brake fluids.
• Coolants: Should be replaced every three years.
• Windshield wiper fluid: Every year, or after 5,000-7,000 miles of driving, replace your windshield wiper fluid.

The good news is that these fluids are not difficult to change, and most of them may be found on the shelf at local shops. You can also discuss a more comprehensive examination and a full fluid replacement with your automobile technician.

5. Battery Cables That Aren’t Working

The battery cables in your electric car are certainly not immune to the passage of time and weather, as they tend on occasion to erode.

The shocks and struts should be inspected regularly for indications of wear and tear since if ignored, it will have an impact on the car’s overall performance.

The following are some of the signs that your battery cables are failing:

• Your automobile’s headlights are dim.
• Engines take a long time to start.
• The engine won’t start.
• You hear a clicking sound, but the engine won’t start.

A closer examination of the battery cables can also provide insight into how well they’ve been cared for. If the insulation is brittle and decomposing, or if there are white or green powdery substances surrounding the cable, it’s time to replace your battery’s cables.