EV Maintenance 101: Cold Weather Effects, Battery Life, and Charging Options

By the Mercury Team

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a popular choice for drivers who want to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the perks of cutting-edge technology. But you might wonder: What about the maintenance? Whether you’re new to EV ownership or just thinking about making the switch, this guide will cover the basics of EV maintenance and how to keep your car in great condition for many years to come.

What Is the Maintenance of an EV Car?

Unlike traditional vehicles with complex engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems, EVs rely on electric motors and batteries, which means far fewer moving parts to maintain. No oil changes, no timing belts, and no mufflers to worry about!

Here are some of the key benefits of EV maintenance:

• Fewer moving parts: Less wear and tear means fewer breakdowns and repairs.
• No fluids like oil or coolant: Say goodbye to oil changes and many other fluid-based maintenance tasks.
• Regenerative braking: Many EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake pads and extends their lifespan.
• Software updates from the comfort of home: Many EVs receive over-the-air updates, adding new features or optimizing performance without needing to visit a repair shop.

Common EV Maintenance Tasks

What kind of maintenance does an electric car need? Let’s go through some common EV maintenance tasks you should do.

EV Regular Maintenance Checklist

Even though EVs don’t have traditional engines, they still require some basic upkeep. Here are the key routine tasks every EV owner should prioritize:

• Tire rotations: To ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires, rotate them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as recommended by your manufacturer. Properly inflated and balanced tires can also improve your EV’s efficiency.
• Brake servicing: EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces wear on traditional brake pads. However, it’s still important to have your brakes inspected regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
• Software updates: Many EVs receive over-the-air updates to improve performance, address issues, or add features. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations to stay on top of these updates.

• Rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles.
• Check brake pads and fluids annually.
• Keep software updated regularly.
• Inspect windshield wipers and replace them as needed.
• Clean and inspect charging ports periodically.

EV Battery Maintenance

Your EV’s battery is what powers your entire driving experience, so treating it right is key for maximum efficiency and longevity. Here’s what you need to do to help extend your battery’s lifespan:

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Whenever possible, park your EV in a garage or shaded area to protect it from extreme heat or cold. Prolonged exposure to harsh conditions can reduce battery efficiency.
• Maintain a healthy charge level: Try to keep your battery charged between 20% and 80% for daily use. Regularly letting it drop to 0% or sit at 100% for extended periods can stress the battery.
• Minimize rapid charging: While convenient, frequently using DC fast charging can accelerate battery degradation over time. Use slower charging methods when possible for daily charging.
• Keep software updated: Regular software updates can improve battery management and overall performance.

How Cold Weather Affects EV Maintenance

When it’s freezing outside, the chemical reactions in your battery slow down, which means it won’t hold as much charge as it normally does. This can lead to a temporary dip in your driving range. Plus, it takes longer to charge when it’s cold. On top of that, your car’s energy gets pulled in different directions—like heating up the cabin to keep you comfortable—which can also drain the battery faster.

Here are a few simple tricks to keep your EV working like a pro, no matter how icy it gets:

• Precondition the battery in cold weather: Many EVs have preconditioning features that warm up the battery before driving or charging in cold temperatures.
• Park smart: If you can, park in a garage or somewhere out of the wind. Keeping your car out of freezing temps helps the battery stay at a better operating temperature.
• Use energy-saving features: Most EVs have an eco mode that saves battery power by dialing down things like cabin heating. It’s a small change that can make a big difference on longer drives.
• Go easy on the accelerator: Winter roads aren’t the place for hard starts or high speeds. Driving smoothly and steadily helps your battery work more efficiently and preserves your range.

EV Maintenance Costs: What to Expect

One of the biggest perks of owning an EV is that maintenance costs are typically lower than gas-powered cars. EVs don’t have an engine in the traditional sense, so you don’t have to worry about usual maintenance tasks like regular oil changes, transmission fluid exchanges, and air filter replacements. Plus, EVs are much cheaper to “fuel” than gas cars, thanks to lower electricity costs compared to rising gas prices. While EV maintenance costs are lower overall, there are a couple of things to consider.

The EV battery is by far the most expensive part of the car. While modern EV batteries are built to last—most come with warranties of 8–10 years or around 100,000 miles—replacing one can cost several thousand dollars. However, advances in battery technology are driving prices down, and many drivers may never need a replacement during their ownership.

If you decide to install a Level 2 charger for faster, more efficient home charging, there’s an upfront cost involved. Depending on your setup, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, including installation. However, this is usually a one-time expense that pays off in convenience and long-term savings.

EV Maintenance Schedule: How to Stay on Track

Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to making sure your EV performs at its best and lasts for years to come. Every EV manufacturer may have slightly different recommendations, but here’s a general schedule you can follow:

Every 5,000–7,500 Miles (or Every 6 Months)

• Rotate tires: Rotating your tires helps ensure even wear and improves efficiency.
• Check tire pressure: Proper inflation can maximize your range and improve safety.

Annually

• Inspect brakes: Regenerative braking reduces wear, but it’s still important to have your brake pads and rotors checked.
• Check fluids: While EVs don’t need engine oil, they may still have coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid that require periodic inspection.
• Test the battery system: Ask your dealer or service center to check your EV’s battery health and performance.

As Needed

• Replace cabin air filter: Keep your cabin air fresh and clean by replacing the filter as needed.
• Software updates: Many EVs receive over-the-air updates to enhance performance or fix minor bugs. Staying up-to-date ensures your car runs as efficiently as possible.
• Charging port maintenance: Periodically clean the charging port and inspect it for wear or damage to ensure seamless charging.

Charging Options and Their Role in EV Maintenance

Charging your EV is simple, but your habits can greatly impact battery health and lifespan. Here’s a quick rundown of the three main types of charging options available to EV owners:

Home Charging

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet, making it the easiest and most accessible option. However, it’s also the slowest, usually adding only a few miles of range per hour. It’s best suited for overnight charging.

There’s also Level 2 charging. With a 240-volt outlet and a dedicated charging station, Level 2 is much faster and adds around 20–40 miles of range per hour. It’s ideal for most EV owners and perfect for daily charging at home.

Public Charging

Public chargers are available in a wide variety of locations, from shopping centers to highway rest stops. Many offer Level 2 speeds, making them great for topping up while you’re out and about. Apps and networks can help you locate public chargers and check availability in real-time, so you’re never left searching.

Fast Charging (DC Fast Chargers)

Fast chargers are the quickest way to recharge your battery, adding 60–80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes. They’re perfect for road trips or when you’re in a pinch. However, using fast chargers frequently can put extra strain on your battery, so it’s best to save them for occasional use.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting your EV journey or you’ve been driving one for a while, keeping up with these simple tips can save you money, improve performance, and make the whole experience even better.

Want to learn more about protecting your EV? Explore Mercury’s EV resources to help you get the answers you’re looking for.

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