How Is Maintenance for an Electric Vehicle Different than a Gas-Run Vehicle?

No Comment Auto Body Shop Owner Tips, Maintenance

Electric cars (EVs) may very well become the default type of car in the future. Industry trends indicate that the sale of EVs has been steadily rising, and the market will soon reach a tipping point of favoring them over traditional, internal combustion engine vehicles.

Maintenance of Electric Vehicles vs Fuel-Run Vehicles

You may be curious about how maintenance of EVs differ than fuel-run vehicles. Because the engine on an EV is so different, so is the maintenance. Electric engines don’t require things like oil changes, transmission servicing, or replacing the air filters, spark plugs or drive belts.

Some maintenance items will always need maintenance, whether you drive an EV or fuel-run vehicle. Tires will need to be replaced or maintained on a typical car schedule, with periodic rotation and replacement. Brakes, by contrast, tend to need replacing at a much lower rate than on a fuel-run car due to the different engine type. For specific recommendations, it’s always best to refer to your car’s user manual.

As far as differences between the two, EVs require coolant flushes or refrigerant recharges, which a fuel-run vehicle doesn’t need. This should be done every five years, or as directed by your vehicle’s manual.

Maintaining an Electric Vehicle Battery

Sometimes, an electric car’s battery pack or motor will need to be replaced. This can be very expensive and requires specially-trained mechanics – but don’t worry. These parts are designed to last a very long time, often with long warranties to match.

There are some things you can do to extend the electric car’s battery life, including:

  • Avoid routinely fully charging and fully depleting the battery. This can wear out your battery more quickly. Fortunately, many manufacturers actually don’t let a battery become fully charged, helping to mitigate this issue.
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures when you can, as they can negatively impact an EV’s battery. Cars are built to handle these changes, so don’t panic if you can’t avoid extreme heat or cold, but they can wear down your battery over time.
  • Avoid “fast chargers” – chargers that promise to charge your car’s battery very quickly. Slower charging methods are preferred, as they’re gentler on a battery.

Are Electric Vehicles Harder to Repair after an Accident?

So, what’s it like if your electric vehicle is ever in an accident? In a recent report by CCC Intelligent Solutions, industry data showed that while EVs are more likely to be able to drive away after a collision than fuel-run vehicles, EV repairs can cost up to three percent more due to the complex technology systems that make those vehicles run. On the one hand, electric vehicles are simpler than their fuel-run counterparts because they have fewer systems, yet those systems are more complex and require different calibration methods and advanced technology to repair. Like most vehicle purchases, it’s all about finding the right trade-offs to suit your needs, preferences and budget: with an electric vehicle, you’ll pay far less in fuel costs and routine maintenance than with a gas-powered car, but you may need to pay more if your EV ever needs a repair following an accident.

Find a Collision Repair Shop Near You

If your electric vehicle is ever in an accident, Carwise.com is here to help you find the right collision repair shop near you to get it back in working condition. Carwise.com can make the search simple, showing shop certifications for EV repairs, reviews from real customers, before and after photos, shop hours and location. Start your search of more than 21,000 shops today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Can Leaves Damage Your Car?

No Comment Car Care Tips

Autumn leaves are a beautiful sight to see, but they can wreak havoc on your car in all sorts of ways. Not only can fallen leaves be as slippery as ice, leading to more accidents, but they also can damage a car’s finish, clog air intakes or drain holes, scratch your car and more. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help your vehicle avoid damage, so you can continue to enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves without worrying about damage to your car.

Protect Your Car’s Finish From Leaves

Dead leaves often contain tree sap, which is acidic. Acid is no friend to a car’s paint job. If left to sit, leaves can slowly erode the clearcoat or even the paint itself. It’s best to remove leaves quickly from a car, and to do so by hand to avoid scratching your car’s paint.

Additionally, tree sap can be removed with rubbing alcohol dabbed onto a microfiber cloth, or you can purchase special tree sap remover. Always be sure to test any products on a small, hidden area of paint on your vehicle before starting, to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

After cleaning off your car, be sure to give it a good rinse or take it through a car wash. Getting a wax finish prior to fall can also help protect your car from leaf damage.

Clear Out Any Clogs Caused by Leaves

When removing leaves from your car, don’t forget about hidden areas where leaves can collect, such as under the hood, air intakes and drain holes around sunroofs. Leaves can clog all of these areas, causing issues down the road. Leaves left to sit can develop mildew or mold, or even lead to corrosion and rust over time. It’s best to periodically inspect your car for any hidden leaves to make sure these areas are clear of debris.

Avoid Scratches from Leaves on Your Windows/Windshield

Along with acidity, leaves are also abrasive and can cause scratches to your car. For example, if you turn on your windshield wipers, swiping dead leaves back and forth across can scratch the glass. It’s better to pick the leaves off by hand, or with a tool like a leaf blower or gentle brush.   To avoid scratches, make sure to clear off any leaves that land on your car before driving, and especially clear off the windshield before using the wipers. A car cover can also help protect your car from scratches, as well as preserve the finish. If you do decide to use a car cover, make sure to invest in a high-quality one; lower-quality covers can actually scratch your vehicle as well.

Find an Auto Body Repair Shop Near You

Sometimes despite our best efforts, leaves and other elements can damage a car’s finish. Carwise can help you choose a reputable auto body shop to fix your paint job from more than 21,000 shops nationwide. Search Carwise.com and find reviews from real customers, before and after photos, shop certifications, hours and locations. Start your search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/ .

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