Experts suggest that personal vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, should be driven regularly for best performance and long life. However, recurring lockdowns and strict movement restrictions resulted in these vehicles being parked in garages and parking areas lately. Amid this unprecedented situation, it became all the more important to maintain them, so that they run smoothly when they finally get to hit the roads.
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While a lot of information is available about the maintenance of not-in-use internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the same is rare when it comes to maintaining electric vehicles (EVs) since they are new to the market and even a lot of mechanics are not familiar with the technology. So, for e-car owners, mechanics, automobile enthusiasts, drivers and professionals having other automotive jobs, below are some tips on how to maintain an electric car. And if you want to learn more about EVs to build a career in this futuristic industry, you can join Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana courses offered by ASDC (Automotive Skills Development Council).
Applicable for all cars, be it ICE or electric, the first tip is to park them in a safe area where they are not prone to external damage. To avoid damage to the paint, cars must be kept covered using a car cover. Additionally, it is suggested to get the tyres fully inflated before parking the car for a long period, in fact, one may get them over-inflated so that they have enough air even when the car is driven after weeks or months.
The high voltage batteries of EVs should be at least partially charged even when the car is not in use. This is because the batteries of most of the EVs lose charge over time, whether they are used or not. Manufacturers say that many EVs may work well despite being unattended for months, however, they should be charged monthly for good battery health.
In addition to the high voltage battery, EVs also have a secondary 12-volt battery for other functions such as the wiper, window motors, lights, infotainment system, etc. It is necessary to ensure that this battery is not completely drained during the not-in-use period. For this, many experts suggest that the negative terminal should be removed from the battery. However, the physical key and the user manual may be required after this step, so one should keep them handy before locking the car.
When the car has been parked for a long time and remains unattended, it is suggested to use the slow charger to fully charge it before taking it to the roads. Most EVs come with a standard slow charger, therefore, this would not be a concern.
In addition to the above-mentioned tips, the safety protocols applicable to ICE cars should also be followed. If you are passionate about learning more about EV vehicles, their functioning and the technology involved, join government-recognised training courses offered by ASDC in association with PMKVY. These Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana courses are delivered by expert mentors and include exceptional hands-on training. The courses have also helped a large number of automobile enthusiasts land rewarding automotive jobs and build a successful career in the industry. So, think no more and turn your passion into your profession with the short-term courses offered by ASDC.