Electric cars are powered by batteries instead of an engine, so they require much less maintenance than a gas-powered car. EV ownership means you won’t pay for gas or oil changes, but a few fluids still need to be refilled or replaced from time to time. Here are the fluids you should know about in many EVs.
Washer fluid
The most obvious fluid and easiest one to refill is the windshield washer fluid. The reservoir has a bright blue cap in most vehicles and can easily be found under the hood. Washer fluid is sold at most gas stations and is pretty easy to find as well.
Brake fluid
While EVs have a lot of new technology, there are still some things they do the old-fashioned way, and that includes the brakes. Brake fluid needs to be changed to make sure your brakes are getting the best performance possible. It should be changed every 45,000 miles.
Gearbox fluid
EVs don’t have a transmission like a gas vehicle since most of them use a single-speed gearbox or an e-axle. While transmission fluid in a gas car needs to be replaced between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, gearbox fluid can last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. Gearbox fluid lubricates the gearbox to keep it running smoothly and protects it from corrosion, since it constantly receives power from the electric motors at high RPMs.
Coolant
While gas cars use coolant for the engine, EVs use it for the batteries that propel the vehicle. It cools the battery temperatures to prevent overheating while keeping all of the car’s systems up and running. This fluid is stored in sealed tubes that are tightly secured and can go between 80,000 and 100,000 miles before being changed. Check your owner’s manual to see when you need it changed, as the interval varies depending on the vehicle.
Keenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram at @keenanautos.
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