Have you purchased or leased a new electric vehicle in Beaverton, Oregon? CARR Chevrolet wants to help you maintain your Chevy EV with information on proper EV care. Here is a simple guide to know what services your Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Blazer EV, or other electric model requires on a regular basis.
Battery maintenance
The most crucial component of an electric car is its battery. The rechargeable EV battery is how the vehicle gets its "fuel" to run the electric motor. Over time, the battery will wear out and need replaced - usually after 10-12 years. This is the biggest maintenance your EV will ever need, but you can prolong the battery's lifespan as much as possible by following these habits:
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your EV parked in the garage year-round to avoid extreme temperatures - especially during winter here in Oregon, as cold temperatures can harm EV batteries.
- Avoid fast-charging: Use 120- or 240-volt charging methods at home or at the office instead of relying on rapid-charging stations, which can degrade battery packs faster if used frequently.
- Don't overdo charging: Avoid over-charging or under-charging your Chevy EV, which strains the battery and causes premature degradation. Keep the charge around 80% at its peak and 20% after driving around all day (known as the 80/20 rule).
- Stay in the middle: Keep your Chevy EV at a mid-level charge if parking it for an extended period. If you're leaving your Chevy EV for 1-2 weeks during vacation, make sure its charge is between 30-70%, not any lower or higher.
Tire maintenance
Your Chevrolet Equinox EV or Silverado EV relies on its tires just like any other motorized vehicle does. In fact, EVs can be as much as 30% heavier than comparable gas-powered models, and that puts more strain on the tires. That's why CARR Chevrolet advises bringing your electric vehicle to our Beaverton service center for these needs:
- Tire rotation: Keep tire wear even by having the tires rotated twice a year at CARR Chevrolet. This maintains the tires' condition and grip longer by evening their wear.
- Tire balancing: We can check that the tires are balanced so they aren't vibrating or damaging the suspension and steering systems.
- Wheel alignment: Keep the wheels aligned so your Chevy EV steers properly. We can rebalance tires for you at CARR Chevrolet.
- Tire replacement: We can swap your all-season tires for snow tires for winter season in Oregon; these are designed to withstand colder temperatures and remain effective on ice.
- Air pressure & tread depth checks: Know when your Chevy EV tires are leaking air or need replaced with a new set at our Beaverton dealership.
Ordinary EV care
A benefit of driving an electric car instead of one with an internal combustion engine is the reduced maintenance needs. You won't worry about motor oil, spark plugs, engine air filters, fluid systems, and such anymore!
Your electric Chevrolet will still need some occasional replacements and repairs pertaining to:
- Old wiper blades
- Windshield cleaner fluid
- Coolant fluid
- Dirtied cabin air filter
- Damaged suspension
- Worn-out brake pads and rotors
- Bunt-out light bulbs
Don't forget that washing and waxing your car on a seasonal basis is always a good idea - whether you own a Chevy EV or a gas-powered model! This will protect it from the corrosive damage caused by road salt during winter and wet mud throughout the summer. Plus, it will keep your stylish Chevrolet EV looking its best.
CARR Chevrolet knows how to service electric vehicles. Visit our dealership in Beaverton, Oregon, to have your EV examined by a certified Chevrolet technician. Contact us to schedule a multi-point EV service inspection in Washington County.