EV/Hybrid Maintenance

EV Maintenance at Stanley Auto Group

If you’ve recently bought a brand-new EV model, you’ll want to know how to take care of it. Since it doesn’t utilize an engine like a conventional gasoline-based model, you’ll need to pay close attention to the other parts that power your vehicle, like your battery. When you’re near Dallas, Waco, or Lubbock and you want to make sure that your vehicle is running optimally, you’ll want to visit one of the many Stanley Auto Group locations, where you’ll find excellent service. 

Prioritize Your Battery

Instead of an engine, your battery serves as the powerhouse of your model, as it directly powers your motor. When you’re trying to make sure that your battery lasts as long as possible, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t accidentally overcharge or undercharge it. This means that you’ll want to consistently keep it between 20% and 80%. This small extra step can extend your overall life by a hefty margin. You’ll also want to be aware of the temperature. When it comes to incredibly hot or cold environments, your battery is going to have to work much harder to give you the same performance. When you’re not driving, you’ll want to make sure that your car is shielded from the outside weather if it’s extreme. For these conditions, a garage is your best friend. If your vehicle features a cooling system, you’ll also want to make sure that it receives routine maintenance. 

Hybrid Capability

If the vehicle you drive is considered a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model, you’re going to want to make sure that you get the occasional oil change. There’s a common misconception that these models don’t need new batches of oil, as they’re partly electric. While this trap is easy to fall into, it’s important to remember that they still feature engines that need maintenance. You’ll also want to have your brakes routinely inspected, as this is a key part of maintenance. EV models tend to put less strain on the brakes, so you may find that they end up lasting longer than you would normally expect. Still, the occasional inspection will make sure that you’re safe on the road, and that they work when you need them most. 

Tires and Fluids

The main overlap you’ll find between EVs and conventional models is the tires. It’s important to remember that EV models are often much heavier in comparison, so your tires might experience some extra strain on the road. You’ll want to make sure you keep track of your:

• Tire Balancing: Tires tend to be different weights, which can be fixed through balancing. This will prevent an otherwise bumpy ride. 
• Tire Rotations: Getting your tires rotated on a frequent basis will make sure that they experience a relatively similar amount of wear so that you don’t have to replace them as often.
• Tire Alignments: When your wheel wants to pull you toward the side of the road or into the other lane, it’s time for an alignment. When your tires aren’t properly aligned, they experience wear at a faster rate.

Whether it’s your windshield wipers or your cooling system, you’ll also want to make sure you’re topped up on fluids.