We know electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than their internal combustion engines (ICE) brethren. However, there are still some components that both vehicles share, like the use of various fluids.
These fluids require testing, flushes and top offs at different intervals and play a vital role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
Which fluids do you need to worry about? Electric vehicles require windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.
Coolant
Coolant is a vital fluid that helps regulate your vehicle's temperature. The cooling system in an EV helps to preserve the battery’s longevity by preventing it from hitting damaging temperatures. It also helps the car optimize battery performance in the day to day.
Unlike the coolant or antifreeze in an ICE vehicle, coolant in an EV does not interact with the air and other car parts the same way as antifreeze does in an ICE. In most systems, the coolant is isolated in metal tubes that flow over the battery modules to regulate their temperature. This means that it does not need to be changed or flushed as often as it does in an ICE vehicle.
Manufacturers state different maintenance timelines for coolant. Tesla for instance says the coolant never has to be changed, while Kia recommends maintenance at 80,000 kms. Others still say the coolant should be flushed at the 6-year mark. It is important to check your vehicle manual, and if you have any questions our technicians at Lacombe Quick Lane are experts in all makes and models of electric vehicles and will be able to help you.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is another important fluid that is found in both ICE and EVs. Flushing and replacing this fluid at regular intervals is a vital service.
Regenerative brakes, a feature which helps EVs to recycle lost energy, typically have a much longer lifespan than their gas-powered counterparts. Which is why your EV can typically go a bit longer between flushes and replacement of its brake fluid.
If you notice the following it may be time to change your brake fluid:
The brakes feel ‘spongy’ or soft
It is taking longer to come to a stop
Your dashboard brake light turns on
Different manufacturers will recommend different timelines for this service, Ford, for example, recommends flushing and replacing every 3 years.
Washer Fluid
This one is a no brainer, especially during the winter and spring months. You want to have a clear windshield, and washer fluid will give that to you.y
Just like in an ICE vehicle, you push a button and fluid comes out onto your windshield and your wipers clear it away. If nothing comes out, then you add more.
Refilling your washer fluid is an easy process that can be done at home, and when you bring in your vehicle for regular maintenance. And there is no difference between washer fluid used for an EV and ICE vehicle.
Our experts at Lacombe Quick Lane with all your maintenance needs whether you drive an EV, Hybrid or ICE vehicle. Our team knows electric vehicles and understands the different maintenance requirements for all makes and models. Our EV Maintenance Packages include fluid inspections and top off, check out our available packages here.
When you bring your vehicle to Lacombe Quick Lane, you’ll drive away with peace of mind, knowing everything is working and ready to get you where you need to be.