Assessing and Maintaining Your Electric Car Battery's Health to Avoid Costly Repairs
Battery life is a common concern among electric car owners. With the ever-evolving technology, it can be difficult to determine when/if your battery falls outside of the recommended level without booking it in for an inspection. While some cars may show a range at 100%, this number may not always be accurate and should not be relied on as a measure of battery health.
One way to check if your battery has degraded over time is to charge up to the same percentage you normally do and drive to a destination you've been visiting since you bought the car. If the percentage of battery left after that trip is significantly lower than you're used to seeing, then it could indicate that your battery's capacity has decreased. Additionally, changing your on-screen battery display from range to percentage can help provide more accurate information about your car's current battery level.
Another way to monitor your battery's health is by signing up for Recurrent, a free service which will provide you with a battery health score over time and allow you to compare its health against other cars. Although this app may keep your car busy, it provides valuable insight into your vehicle's performance and can alert you if any issues arise.
Overall, understanding how to accurately assess your car's battery health is essential in order to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Taking advantage of services such as Recurrent or simply paying attention to changes in your car's range can help identify potential problems before they become too serious.It's also important to remember that battery life is affected by a variety of factors, including temperature and driving habits. Keeping your car in good condition and avoiding extreme temperatures can help extend the life of your battery. Additionally, using regenerative braking when possible will reduce the amount of energy used from the battery while still providing you with an efficient ride.
Finally, it's always best to consult with a professional if you have any doubts or concerns about your car's performance or health. A qualified technician can provide more accurate information on how to maintain optimal performance for longer periods of time as well as advice on what steps need to be taken should any issues arise.
In conclusion, understanding how to accurately assess your electric vehicle’s battery health is essential in order for it remain reliable over time and avoid costly repairs down the line. Taking advantage of services such as Recurrent or simply paying attention changes in range are great ways monitor its overall health while keeping up regular maintenance will ensure optimal performance throughout its lifetime.
How do I know if my battery falls outside of the recommended level without booking it in?
Unless or until the car itself throws an error code, you won't be able to tell. To check, charge up to the same percentage you normally do and drive to a destination you've been visiting since you bought the car. If the percentage of battery left after that trip is significantly lower than you're used to seeing, you might have a bad battery. You can also change your on-screen battery display to percentage for more accurate readings.
Is there any way to measure battery health over time?
Yes, Recurrent is a service you can sign up for free which will provide with a battery health score over time and allow you to compare its health against others. It also provides you with a detailed report of your battery's health and performance. Additionally, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage of the battery, which will give you an indication of its health.
What are some tips for extending my battery life?
There are several things you can do to extend your battery life. Firstly, make sure to keep your car in good condition by regularly servicing it and replacing any worn-out parts. Secondly, avoid leaving your car idle for long periods of time as this can cause the battery to drain. Thirdly, try to drive at a steady speed and avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration as this can put extra strain on the battery. Finally, if possible, park in a shaded area as heat can reduce the lifespan of your battery.