Electric cars are built differently from cars that use an Internal Combustion Engine. Gasoline-powered cars tend to have a lot of moving parts. Because of this, they need oil to lubricate the engine and keep everything working. What about electric vehicles though, do they need oil?

How do electric cars use oil?

Electric vehicles do not use oil the same way as gasoline-powered vehicles. EV cars, however, use grease to lubricate the motor bearings. For electric cars that feature a gearbox, an oil change will be required.

However, most electric vehicles do not require an oil change the same way an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle does. Why? Because these cars do not need any oil to lubricate the engine. The electric motors fitted into electric vehicles minimize the loss of energy creating heat.

Because of the few moving parts inside an electric car, the maintenance needed is considerably less. Electric cars do not need oil filters or oil or spark plug changes. On top of that, their regenerative braking prolongs the brakes’ lifespan.

Maintaining your electric vehicle

Electric cars, just like gasoline-powered cars, still require maintenance though. These are some of the items of an electric vehicle that will need regular maintenance;

Battery maintenance checks

The most important maintenance to be performed on an electric vehicle is the battery check. Take your car to an EV specialist to check battery fluid levels, assess cycle count, and also check connections and filler openings.

Regular servicing can increase your electric car’s battery life. In addition to this, certain factors can extend the battery’s life further:

• Avoid parking your electric car for long periods without charge.
• Do not charge the battery to 100%. An 80% charge is better recommended.
• Avoid using “Quick Charging” stations frequently.
• Do not expose the battery to extreme temperatures.

Properly maintaining your battery will save you a ton of money since replacing the car’s battery system can cost you more than $15,000 depending on your car’s make and model.

Brake fluid change

Though your electric car’s brakes will last for a long time, you are still required to check your car’s brake fluid. Topping off the brake fluid can lower the risk of having a brake system failure. However, before adding brake fluid, check for the recommended type from the car’s manual. You should also lookout for any leaks.

If adding new brake fluid does not remedy the situation, immediately take your car to an EV service center to have them check your brake system. If you do not notice any issue, then it’s recommended that you schedule your car’s fluid flush every three to five years.

Windshield wiper fluid

Your electric car will need new windshield wiper fluid when it runs dry or after every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. While most electric vehicles can use the standard windshield wiper fluid, you should check the manual and add the fluid best suited for your climate.

Coolant system maintenance

Several electric vehicles have a special cooling system that lowers temperatures and eases the load placed on the car’s battery. The system ensures that the battery operates at the optimum temperature. This not only increases the battery’s rechargeability but longevity as well.

Regularly check the coolant system and antifreeze or coolant flushes. Your manual will guide you on how to determine the schedule for maintaining the coolant system as well as which coolant to use. Aside from these, other parts that will need maintenance include the EV’s tires and wheels, air-conditioning service, andf replacing the air filter, among others.