Maintenance and Safety Of Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Emily Caldwell
Did you know that research through the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has shown that traditional or conventional cars may be contributing to up to 75% of the earth’s total carbon monoxide emissions and one-third of total air pollution? This shocking statistic is why electric vehicles have recently been on the rise!
Whether you’re in the market for a new hybrid or electric vehicle or have recently purchased one, the maintenance of these types of vehicles will greatly differ from the maintenance of a traditional vehicle. In this overview, we’ll provide you with important tips to help get started with your hybrid or electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicles vs. Hybrid
Understanding the difference between the available types of electric vehicles is important to understanding maintenance and safety protocols for each. An EV, also known as an electric vehicle, is a fully electric car that gets all of its power from batteries that are rechargeable. An HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle, meaning it can run on both an internal combustion engine and an electric battery.
Not sure which to choose? Check out this informative blog which explores which option is best for the environment.
Maintenance of Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Believe it or not, electric and hybrid vehicles require far less maintenance than traditional cars. They are often much simpler than the internal combustion engines in standard cars because they have fewer parts, which are smaller and lighter. The motors in an electric vehicle do not require regular gas-filter changes, oil changes, spark plug replacements, or any other of the regular maintenance items considered with standard vehicles.
Though they require less maintenance, regular maintenance in some form is still needed to maintain good operations. Many manufacturers will suggest a regularly scheduled maintenance time according to an individual schedule for that particular vehicle. This will likely be based on years or miles are driven. Looking to perform some maintenance yourself? Some vehicles will allow for the use of an OBD reader to help you diagnose potential problems with your vehicle. If you’re in the market for the Best OBD2 scanner, check out OBD station today for all your needs!
Electric vehicles also require fewer fluids, overall. You will need to stay on top of checking windshield wiper fluid and brake fluid. Electric vehicles may also require coolant and therefore, coolant system flushes may be needed. Check your manual to learn about the specific needs of your electric vehicle model.
Tire maintenance will be quite similar to a standard car. Regular tire rotations help the tires wear smoothly and evenly. Make sure to be taking your vehicle in for regular tire inspections and rotations, the same way you would for a standard vehicle.
Battery Precautions
You’ll want to take good care of the battery as part of your electric vehicle. This is because it is the single most expensive and important component of the car. Taking good care of your battery is easy with a few simple considerations:
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Be mindful of the temperature in which your battery is stored. Batteries do not like the extreme summer temperature as it can damage the battery. When possible, avoid leaving the battery in super warm places. During the winter, putting your car in a garage when possible is recommended. Extreme and bitter cold temperatures can reduce the range of your battery
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Keep the battery between 20 and 80% charge. Over or repeated charging will cause the battery to degrade. If you’re going on a long trip where you need a maximum charge, you can charge the battery to 100% but this should not be done on a regular day-to-day basis.
Safety of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Although many electric vehicles have many new technologies to help assist drivers and ensure their safety, all regular safety driving regulations used for standard vehicles still are important and should be followed. Some of the new technologies available in both these vehicles to promote safety include:
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Lane-departure warning signals when the car senses you may be shifting or drifting out of the lanes of a given lane.
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Forward Collision Warning can help you slow down in the event you’re close to colliding with another vehicle ahead of you.
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Blind Spot Warnings- This can help the driver, especially in right-side blind spots, move lanes safely.
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Cameras help with all-around assistance with many types of parking, whether it’s a normal spot or parallel parking on a very busy city road.
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High Beam Technology can help detect when more lighting is needed while lowering beam lighting when another car is approaching (to avoid blinding the other drivers on the road).
When purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle, the best maintenance and safety advice will come straight from the individual manufacturer. For guidance that pertains to your specific model, always be sure to check the manual or check with the dealer the vehicle was purchased from.
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