Tips for Keeping Your Chevy EV in Great Shape | McKinney, TX
When it comes to driving a Chevy EV, there are plenty of perks. In addition to providing a clean, zero-emission ride, they also require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts. You won’t have to worry about spark plugs, oil changes, or filter maintenance. However, every vehicle needs TLC. Here’s how you can keep your Chevrolet Bolt EV or EUV in great shape for years to come.
Protect Your Car From Extreme Temperatures
Whenever possible, avoid leaving your EV parked in the hot sun for hours on end, since high temperatures can cause the battery to degrade. Seek out shaded areas to park your vehicle, such as beneath a car port, in a garage, or under the shadow of a tree. Chilly temperatures can also reduce your vehicle’s range, but the cold won’t cause the battery to wear out faster.
Consider a Home Charger
To save money and extend the life of your EV’s battery, consider your options for home charging. You can “trickle charge” your vehicle by plugging it into a standard 110-volt outlet. In addition to being the most affordable method of charging your EV, it’s also the most gentle on the battery. However, it’s a slow process — it only allows you to restore 2-5 miles of driving range per hour.
For a faster alternative, you can opt for a 240-volt Level 2 home charger. It will enable you to restore 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on your EV’s condition, the temperature, and other environmental factors.
While public fast chargers may restore as much as 75 miles of range in 5 minutes, they’re also hard on the battery. Overuse of fast chargers may result in excess wear and tear on the battery. Further, some chargers can supply more power than a car’s charging system can handle. Always be aware of your vehicle’s limitations before charging.
Avoid Overcharging and Undercharging
It’s generally recommended to keep your car’s battery between 20-80 percent. Keeping it fully charged (or too depleted) can cause the battery to prematurely wear out. To help you manage this, adjust your EV’s settings — you can choose how fully you’d like to charge your vehicle, or set a timer to only allow it to charge for a set amount of time.
Routine Maintenance
While your EV may not need fuel filters or oil changes, it’s still important for it to receive routine maintenance. Every five years, it’s a good idea to bring your EV in for a coolant circuit flush, along with a full flush of its brake fluid. Swap out the wiper blades every 15,000 miles, and replace the cabin air filter every 36,000 miles. And to help keep you cool during those hot Texas summers, have the air conditioning system inspected yearly — it could need to be topped off with additional refrigerant.
Tire Care
Well-maintained tires are essential for safe driving. Check the tire pressure monthly, and while you’re at it inspect the tires for tread depth and excess wear. Make sure that they’re free of bulges, cracks, and blisters. To gauge tread depth, either use a designated measuring instrument, available at any auto parts store, or use a penny. Simply flip it upside down and insert it into the tread. If it’s not deep enough to touch Honest Abe’s head, it’s time for new tires.
Keep It Clean
Tree sap, bird droppings, and splattered bugs are all highly acidic — and that means they can tarnish your car’s paint job. Wash your vehicle at least once a month and wax it at least twice a year to prevent corrosion. This simple practice can go a long way towards maintaining your car’s looks and value.
Need help maintaining your Chevrolet Bolt EV or EUV? Bring it to the service department at El Dorado Chevrolet in McKinney, Texas.