Electric cars and conventional, petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles have very different mechanics, which means you’ll need to follow alternative maintenance advice to keep everything ship-shape. The maintenance regime of an electric vehicle may come as a bit of a shock for those new to this eco-friendly setup, but there are lots of things you can do to take care of your EV with ease. Read on to discover our top tips for EV maintenance to get started…

Look out for warning signs

One area that degrades faster than many other components of an electric vehicle is its battery. On average, an EV battery lasts around three to five years, so knowing the signs that say it’s time to replace is vital.

Be on guard for reduced range, slower charging and a State of Health (SoH) decline that drops below 70 to 75% when checking and operating your vehicle. React quickly to any warning lights that pop up too as this may be a sign that your battery needs attention or even replacement.

Top up your brake fluid

Another system that gets more wear on an electric vehicle is the brakes. EVs are generally much heavier than conventional vehicles, and with this, comes increased pressure on the brake system. In addition to keeping an eye out for brake wear, your brake fluid will need to be topped up regularly. Make a visual check of your brake fluid levels part of your EV maintenance regime.

Check other essentials

There are other fluids that require regular checks in an EV. Some can only be observed by a trained technician - the battery coolant for instance is housed in a sealed compartment - but you can check the levels of your windscreen washer fluid at home.

Examine your wiper blades

While we’re on the subject of your windscreen, your wiper blades may also need attention. As on any vehicle, the condition of the blades deteriorates over time. If you notice that your windscreen wipers aren’t working as efficiently as they used to, it could be time for a replacement.

Study your lights and tyres

Take time to check if all the lights on your EV are working, it’s quick and easy to do, and will keep you safe and legally compliant. Your tyres also need a once-over, with weekly checks recommended for EVs. Look out for wear and sidewall damage, and book in for a repair or replacement if necessary.