Fixing Up Your Car

Electric cars owe much to the trolley car. Before buses powered by cheap diesel, electric trolley cars created energy as they went down hill and fed the extra power back to the electric grid. 

The electric vehicle has brought regenerative braking back, providing another  way to improve fuel economy. Though less stress is placed on the braking pad, braking remains the second cause of vehicle malfunction leading to accidents. Electric and hybrid brakes still require regular car services maintenance. 

Following are brake problems in electric cars to watch out for. 

Regular Brake Maintenance 

The alternative braking system means the hydraulic brakes are used less and last longer. But the better braking system can create a false sense of security.

Regenerative braking transforms kinetic energy from the wheels into electric energy by turning the engine into an energy generator, and storing the excess energy in the battery. 

Battery replacement 

Over time, a worn down battery will deliver lower fuel economy performance. The battery will eventually need to be replaced. Brake pads and fluids could last as long as two times longer. But once again, regular maintenance is required. Periodic brake fluid changes will be required. 

Break fluid top up 

Regenerative braking means less wear on brake pads. When energy from the motor generator is used for braking, the base brakes are used less. Brake fluid will eventually require topping up. 

Brake dust cleanup

Less braking using friction results in less brake dust and pollutant emissions. New research on the harms of brake dust has found it is responsible for one-fifth of tiny particle emissions on roads and can cause more harm to the lungs than diesel emissions.

Unmatched Break Parts

In regenerative breaking, the hydraulic system and motor generator use are balanced by the amount of torque. The regenerative system typically operates under normal driving conditions. When breaking at high speeds or while coming to a stop, the hydraulic system will kick in to provide more power for braking. 

The system is not always perfectly balanced. In some electric car models, for example, the brake lights come on several seconds later than on a friction brake system. Mixing and matching parts could lead to imbalance issues. Ensure your car dealership always uses original parts.

Fluid Leaks

Worn brake pads can lead to fluid leaks, but brake pads are less likely to wear down in regenerative systems. But it's not the end of fluid leaks. Hydraulic brakes store brake pressure in an accumulator. They release fluid from the pressure accumulator when extra braking power is needed. The fluid can leak, although this problem is less common in newer electric car models.

Make sure to get your car's brakes checked out by car services like Grey Chevrolet Inc.