Generally speaking, electric cars are cheaper to maintain but more expensive to repair. The main reason for that is the parts. That is why people who own electric vehicles need to review insurance providers like Protect My Car to get the right deal for them.
Why Are Electric Cars Expensive to Repair?
Gas and other traditional cars have been in the market for decades. They have had a lot of time to produce and perfect the manufacturing process of their parts. Several car models use the same car parts. The prevailing practice is to have more of those parts available. Standardization and mass production combine to bring down parts prices.
Compare that with electric cars and vehicles that have only been here for a few years. The process is not as perfect, and the parts are specific. That drives the prices up.
Another reason is the expertise needed to repair the electronic vehicle. Again, gas and combustion-powered cars have the advantage of experience. More mechanics can repair traditional vehicles. Compare that to only a handful of specialists with electric cars today.
Proper Maintenance of Electric Cars
It is expensive to have your electric car repaired. But that does not mean you cannot do anything about it. Like any vehicle, proper maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep it in good running condition.
One main advantage of electric vehicles is that they have fewer parts than traditional cars. That means fewer things can go wrong. But the basic principles are the same. There is a body with wheels powered by an engine. That means there are some similar maintenance steps.
Wheel Maintenance
Perhaps the most common problem of any vehicle is the wheels. It can get flat, deflated, or misaligned. Being the main contact point on the road, you do not want any of those things to happen.
Problems with your car tires can lead to a reduction in performance and safety. That said, always check the tire pressure and alignment of each. You should also know how to check the tread life of the wheels and replace them when they get too worn down.
Brake Maintenance
Electronic vehicles make use of a regenerative braking system. That helps keep the brake pads in good working condition. Every time you hit the brakes, your car uses the kinetic energy produced as part of the braking system.
While the regenerative braking system allows for less maintenance, it does not mean you do not do it. Regularly have the brakes checked by your mechanic to ensure they are in good working order. The last thing you want is to hit the brakes and nothing happens.
Avoid driving at high speeds. It helps both your brakes and car battery.
Battery Maintenance
The most unique and important part of an electronic car is the battery. The best way to prolong its life is not to abuse it. That includes:
- Avoid extreme temperatures. That goes for both hot and cold. That can damage the battery and drain it faster.
- Try not to overheat your car. It uses a lot of electronic components that produce heat. Too much abuse can lead to overheating and damaging the components.
- Avoid using fast chargers. While they save you time, these can degrade the battery cells faster. Use a level 2 slow charger instead.
- Do not fully charge the car every time. That can also degrade the battery life. Most manufacturers today put a cap that prevents this from happening now.
- On the other side, do not keep draining your battery. That can also degrade the performance of the battery faster. Find a charger once the level hits around 20%.
Electric Car Insurance
You can expect to pay more to insure your electric car. The premium is higher due to its higher purchase price and higher repair costs. But it is still better to have good coverage.
Insurance policies are not just for compliance. They can help you get out of a difficult situation. If there is something wrong with your car, you know you have someone to call to have it fixed. That is especially useful if you get into an accident.
Most of the big car insurance providers in the country have electric vehicle plans. All-State, Geico, and Protect My Car are just some good examples. Research which ones have the best discount programs so you can save on your insurance.
Your state can also have incentives for electric car drivers. It is worth looking into that to reduce your premium price.
Last Words
While repairing your electric vehicle can be expensive, there are still steps you can take to avoid paying that much. Proper maintenance goes a long way in keeping your car roadworthy.
Then, of course, you have different insurance plans. Since you are saving on gas and other maintenance factors, it could be a good idea to reinvest that for better coverage. That way, you never have to worry about the cost of repairing your electric vehicle.
