As time goes on, hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming the go-to vehicles for drivers. While fuel engines are still major players for car drivers, EVs offer drivers a way to go green and leave a smaller environmental footprint. EVs allow drivers to save on fuel costs and maintenance services, such as regular fluid fills or filter changes. However, EVs still require regular maintenance in order to function properly. For mechanics, providing maintenance on EVs is increasingly important, as more drivers make the switch from fuel engines to electric vehicles.
Read on to learn about some EV maintenance tips for when you become an auto mechanic.
1. Your Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training Will Allow You to Perform Battery Maintenance
Battery maintenance is one of the most important components of an electric vehicle. Even though EV batteries are easier to maintain than fuel car batteries, you have to be aware of an EV battery’s life cycle, which is very important for the proper functioning of the EV. A battery’s life cycle refers to the number of times it can be charged and discharged before it reaches the end of its life cycle and starts to deteriorate. At the Automotive Training Centre in Surrey, we provide you with relevant hands-on experience through our hybrid and electrical mechanic training in maintaining and replacing EV batteries. As a mechanic, you’ll diagnose faulty batteries and recommend to clients that battery levels be kept between 20% and 80% to prolong their life cycle.
2. Check The Brakes for Any Damage
As a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, part of your maintenance checklist should always include ensuring that the regular and regenerative brakes of an electric vehicle are not damaged and are replaced when necessary. When drivers brake on a regular basis, especially when driving in bad weather conditions, the brake pads and discs may get worn out or damaged. You’ll have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and and service regular and regenerative brakes on both hybrids and EVs after your mechanic training. If you identify any brake issues during check-ups, you may need to repair or replace the brake pads, discs and rotors.
3. Check Your Customers’ EV Tires
As a professional auto mechanic, it will be up to you to make sure that your customers’ EV tires are in top-notch condition, with no major tread wear or tears. To do so, you can recommend that your customers come for a check-up with you every 1 to 3 months, depending on their driving habits. You’ll be responsible for rotating the tires to even out the tread wear and checking that they are properly aligned. You should also ensure that the tire pressure is at the recommended level, which may also be based on Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in newer car models.
4. EVs Need Regular Fluid Checks
Regular fluid maintenance is important for any vehicle, but the requirements for fluid maintenance on electric vehicles are fewer compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. During your training at ATC Surrey, you will work on different hybrid and electric vehicle models that will prepare you for a career as an auto mechanic, with knowledge of the fluid requirements of the different EVs out there. Fluid maintenance for EVs consists of checking the brake fluids, windshield washer fluid and air conditioning coolant fluid.
Interested in a hybrid and electrical mechanic course?
Start your training at ATC Surrey!
