It's quite exciting to learn that you're planning for a new electric vehicle for yourself; however, there are a few things that may come to your mind before you make a purchase. When buying your first electric vehicle, you might be wondering whether your electric car will require fluids or not, just like a gasoline vehicle, and the simple answer is... It just might.
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The short answer to whether electric cars need coolant or not is that they do. Without coolant, your car's battery will overheat, eventually damaging the battery. The coolant keeps the battery temperature regulated, an essential component in an electric car.
Although one of the most significant benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle is that it requires very few fluids to operate. It may have fluids like antifreeze or a coolant. The anti-freeze aims to protect your electric vehicle's battery from getting damaged by extreme weather conditions.
You'll be glad to know that most electric cars have a cooling loop. A cooling loop is a device that helps to circulate the antifreeze or coolant to protect your car's battery while operating in freezing temperatures.
But antifreeze isn't the only fluid found in electric vehicles; there are a few more that often go unaddressed.
READ: Which is Better: Hybrid Car or Electric Car?
Coolants
They are often used as an alternative to anti-freeze since they are slightly different from each other. Coolant prevents the battery from heating up and keeps the EV's cooling system functional.
It is essential to check the coolant levels of your electric car so that the battery doesn't overheat & cause any damage to the rest of the vehicle.
Just like other fluids, you should also change the coolant of your EV every 25,000 miles or so. When is the best time to change the coolant on your vehicle? It depends on what vehicle, make or model you drive. Just consult the owner's manual if you're unsure.
Even if you don't notice any leaks, it is still better to get the coolant changed every now & then.
This will help to keep your electric car's battery working in optimum condition & prevent any unexpected breakdowns.
As far as the question goes, "Do electric cars need coolant?" The answer to it is yes, they do.
Some Other Fluids That Electric Vehicles Require
The Windshield Washer Fluid
As the name suggests, the windshield washer fluid is used to clean your car's windshield. It's essential to keep the windshield clean while driving for safety reasons. How often you need to change the washer fluid depends on when & how often the fluid runs out.
The refilling period normally depends on how frequently you use the wipers. If you live in an area with a lot of dust, you might need to refill the washer fluid more often than someone who lives under better living conditions and in a less harsh environment.
Braking Fluids
Like any other vehicle, EVs also use braking fluids for their brake pads & discs like conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. If you don't flush the brake fluids regularly, you may experience issues with your braking systems. For instance, brake fluid can absorb water from the air over time, leading to corrosion of the braking system.
The best time to replace brake fluids is after every 25,000 miles. If you extend the period and do not change it within 40,000 miles, you might notice a considerable decrease in the performance of your brakes which can further lead to wear and tear. Hence, you should keep a thorough check & balance of the braking systems of your vehicle.
Transmission (Direct-Drive Unit) Lubricant
It might not be used explicitly in every EV, but certain variants require transmission lubricant. EVs don't have a multi-speed transmission but come with a direct drive unit. The direct drive unit houses a single ratio gear set which requires fluid-based lubrication.
This transmission type is often found in hybrid vehicles and all-electric cars. Just like other fluids, the fluid in the direct drive unit also requires a thorough check & balance. For effective EV operations & proper maintenance, it is advised that you get the transmission fluid changed on time.
Although you may not be required to change them frequently, you may still need to monitor the contaminants within the direct drive unit fluid.
If there are any, there's a high chance your EV's transmission fluid needs changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Electric Cars Need Oil or Antifreeze?
Since the internal powering mechanism of an electric car is quite different from a regular gasoline-powered vehicle, it does not contain any valves, pistons, engines, or other moving parts that require lubrication. Therefore, electric cars do not need oil changes.
Some electric cars come with a small cooling system that uses antifreeze to regulate the temperature & therefore, they may require changing over time.
Are Electric Cars Liquid Cooled?
If you're living in areas exposed to hot temperatures, here's the good news. Electric cars are liquid-cooled, so your electric vehicle does not have to experience any overheating issues, even during hot and humid climatic conditions. Your battery unit does not get overheated & you do not have to experience any setbacks.
Do Electric Cars Require a Lot of Maintenance?
Depending on how much you use the vehicle, most electric cars may require maintenance quite too often than usual. With the rising inflation and high gas prices, people are now more dependent on hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, which make their life a lot easier and more economical.
Just like any other vehicle, electric cars also require tune-ups & regular check-ups to ensure it is working correctly & to maintain their longevity.
READ: Do Electric Cars Need Tune-Up?
Conclusion
Electric cars have become a fad.
They are economical and environment friendly. But they are also new technology, and with every new technology, there are bound to be some maintenance issues.
It is essential to check the fluids, especially the coolant, because it keeps the electric motor-based engine within an EV working effectively.
So there you have it, until next time!