Top 15 'Repair-Bill-Reducing' DIY Checks to maintain your out-of-warranty EV on a budget. - Goh Ling Yong
The thrill of driving an electric vehicle is undeniable. The silent, instant acceleration, the minimal vibrations, and the satisfaction of cruising past petrol stations are all part of the charm. But as your EV gracefully ages and slips past its manufacturer's warranty period, a new feeling can creep in: the fear of the unknown repair bill. Without that warranty safety net, any potential issue with the battery, motor, or complex electronics can feel like a financial ticking time bomb.
Many believe the myth that EVs are "maintenance-free." While they certainly have fewer moving parts than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts—no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about—they are not immune to wear and tear. The truth is, EVs require different maintenance. Proactive care is the single best tool you have to keep your out-of-warranty EV running smoothly and your wallet happy.
That's where you, the savvy owner, come in. You don't need a professional workshop or a complex set of tools to perform essential health checks on your vehicle. By dedicating just a little time each month, you can catch small issues before they snowball into costly, car-grounding problems. This guide will walk you through 15 simple, budget-friendly DIY checks that will reduce your repair bills and give you priceless peace of mind.
1. The Tire Tango: Pressure and Tread Depth
Tires are the single most critical point of contact between your EV and the road, and they play a massive role in both safety and efficiency. Due to the hefty weight of their battery packs and the instant torque delivered by electric motors, EVs can be particularly tough on their rubber. Incorrect tire pressure is a primary culprit for premature wear and, more importantly, a significant drain on your range.
To check the pressure, all you need is a reliable tire pressure gauge. Don't trust the built-in sensors for a precise reading; a manual check is always best. Look for a sticker on the driver's side doorjamb that lists the manufacturer's recommended cold tire pressure. "Cold" means the car has been sitting for at least three hours. Check the pressure monthly and before any long trips, adjusting as needed.
For tread depth, the classic penny test still works wonders. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is worn below the safe limit of 2/32 of an inch, and it's time for new tires. Regularly inspecting your tires for uneven wear can also be an early indicator of alignment issues, which, if caught early, will save you from replacing a costly set of specialized EV tires prematurely.
2. The Unsung 12V Hero: Battery Health
This is a big one. Every EV, no matter how large its high-voltage (HV) traction battery, also has a small, conventional 12V battery. This little workhorse powers all the car's standard electronics: the lights, the infotainment screen, the door locks, and, crucially, the computers and contactors that "wake up" the main HV battery. If your 12V battery dies, your EV is effectively a giant, expensive brick—even with a 100% charged main battery.
Checking your 12V battery is simple. With a basic multimeter (available for cheap at any hardware store), you can check its voltage. A healthy, resting 12V battery should read between 12.4V and 12.7V. If it's consistently below 12.4V, it may be struggling to hold a charge. Also, pop the hood or access panel and visually inspect the battery terminals for any fuzzy, white, or blueish buildup (corrosion). If you see any, you can clean it off with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water, ensuring a solid connection.
Because the 12V battery in an EV doesn't get charged by a traditional alternator, its charging cycle is managed by the car's main systems. This can sometimes lead to a shorter lifespan than in a traditional car. Checking it every few months can prevent the dreaded scenario of being stranded by a component that costs less than a fancy dinner to replace.
3. Clear and Critical: Brake Fluid Check
EVs benefit from regenerative braking, where the electric motor slows the car down and recaptures energy, sending it back to the battery. This means the traditional hydraulic brakes are used far less often, and your brake pads and rotors can last for an incredibly long time. However, the brake fluid itself is a different story.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture can lower the fluid's boiling point, leading to a spongy brake pedal and reduced stopping power in an emergency. It can also cause corrosion within the brake lines and calipers, leading to much more expensive repairs down the line.
Checking it is as simple as locating the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay (it's usually a small, translucent plastic container with a yellow or black cap). Check that the fluid level is between the "MIN" and "MAX" lines. More importantly, observe the color. Fresh brake fluid is typically a light, clear honey color. If it's dark brown or black, it's contaminated and due for a flush—a job best left to a professional, but one you can now budget for proactively.
4. Keeping a Cool Head: Battery and Drivetrain Coolant
Your EV's high-voltage battery and power electronics generate a lot of heat, and they rely on a sophisticated liquid cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperature. Overheating is the enemy of battery health and longevity. Letting the coolant run low can lead to thermal throttling (reduced power), accelerated battery degradation, or even catastrophic failure.
Most EVs have one or more translucent coolant reservoirs under the hood, much like a traditional car's radiator overflow tank. They are often marked with specific icons for the battery or electronics. Your owner's manual is your best friend here—it will show you exactly where to look.
Simply perform a visual check every month to ensure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum marks. The coolant is often a distinct color like bright orange, blue, or pink. If you notice the level is consistently dropping, it could be a sign of a slow leak that needs immediate attention. Catching a leak early might mean a simple hose replacement instead of a four-figure bill for a damaged battery module.
5. A Clear View Ahead: Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
This one is pure safety and couldn't be easier. Streaky, chattering, or ineffective wiper blades are a hazard in rain or snow. Don't wait for a downpour to discover yours are shot. If they're not clearing the windshield perfectly, it's time for a new set.
Replacing wiper blades is a tool-free, five-minute job on most cars. You can buy quality replacements at any auto parts store. While you're there, grab a jug of washer fluid. Topping up the washer fluid reservoir is as easy as opening a bottle of water. Keeping it full ensures you can always clear away dust, bugs, and road grime for a safe, unobstructed view.
6. Breathe Easy: Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Ever notice a musty smell from your vents or feel like the A/C isn't blowing as hard as it used to? A clogged cabin air filter is almost always the cause. This filter cleans the air that enters the passenger compartment, trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants. When it gets dirty, it restricts airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
In an EV, making the HVAC system work harder directly consumes precious range. Replacing this filter is one of the most satisfying and cost-effective DIY jobs you can do. It's typically located behind the glove box and requires no special tools to access. A new filter costs very little, and swapping it out takes about 15 minutes by following a simple online tutorial for your specific model. Doing this annually will improve your cabin's air quality and slightly boost your vehicle's efficiency.
7. The Underbody Scan: Visual Suspension Check
Your EV is heavy, and that puts a lot of stress on its suspension components. You don't need to be a mechanic to spot a potential problem. Once every couple of months, on a level surface, take a moment to look under the car at the wheels.
Look at the large springs and cylindrical shock absorbers (or struts). Do you see any fluid leaking from them or a heavy coating of oily grime? That's a sign a seal has failed and the component needs replacing. Also, look for any torn or cracked rubber boots around the joints (like CV joints and ball joints). These boots hold grease in and keep dirt out; a tear will lead to rapid failure of the joint itself. Catching these issues early allows you to address a single component before it causes a cascade of other problems.
8. Puddle Patrol: Checking for Leaks
One of the easiest checks requires almost no effort. When you pull out of your usual parking spot in the morning, take a quick glance at the ground. A perfectly dry spot is the sign of a healthy, sealed system.
If you see any drips, take note of the color and location. In an EV, you won't see brown engine oil or red transmission fluid. Instead, you might see:
- Brightly colored (orange, pink, blue): This is almost certainly coolant from either the battery or electronics cooling loop.
- Clear and oily: This could be brake fluid (a serious safety issue) or lubricant from the gear reduction box.
- Clear water: This is usually just condensation from the A/C system and is perfectly normal.
Identifying a leak early is the key to a cheap fix.
9. A Clean Connection: Charge Port Inspection
Your charge port is the lifeline to your EV's power source. Over time, dirt, dust, water, or even small insects can get inside, leading to poor connections, charging errors, or, in a worst-case scenario, damage to the pins.
Once a month, take a bright flashlight and visually inspect the charge port on your car. Look for any debris, bent pins, or signs of corrosion or arcing (black scorch marks). If you see loose debris, you can often blow it out with a can of compressed air. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently clean the area. A clean, secure connection ensures efficient charging and protects the expensive charging hardware on both your car and your home charger.
10. See and Be Seen: Lighting Check
This is a critical safety check that takes less than two minutes. With the car on, have a friend or family member stand outside while you cycle through all your lights: headlights (low and high beams), daytime running lights, turn signals (front, rear, and side), brake lights, and reverse lights.
A burned-out bulb not only reduces your visibility and makes you less visible to others, but it can also earn you a traffic ticket. While many modern EVs use long-lasting, sealed LED units that aren't user-replaceable, many still use traditional bulbs for signals or license plate lights, which are easy and cheap to replace yourself.
11. Silence the Squeaks: Lubricating Hinges and Latches
This is a small detail that makes a big difference in the quality-of-life of owning your car. Door hinges, hood latches, and trunk latches can dry out over time, leading to annoying squeaks, groans, or difficult operation.
A quick spray of white lithium grease or a similar lubricant on all hinge points once or twice a year will keep everything operating smoothly and silently. It also helps prevent wear and corrosion on these moving parts. It's a simple touch that makes your car feel more solid and well-cared-for.
12. The Digital Tune-Up: Keeping Software Updated
In a modern EV, software is as important as hardware. Manufacturers regularly release over-the-air (OTA) software updates that can improve everything from battery management and charging speeds to infotainment features and even driving dynamics. My advice, as I often tell people here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, is to treat these updates like a crucial maintenance item.
Failing to install updates can mean you're missing out on critical bug fixes or efficiency improvements that directly impact your car's health and performance. Always ensure your car is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network when at home to download these updates seamlessly. Running the latest software is a free and easy way to ensure your EV is operating at its absolute best.
13. High-Voltage Visuals: Inspecting Cable Insulation
Safety First: Never, ever touch or tamper with the high-voltage cables. These are almost always bright orange for a reason. That said, a quick and safe visual inspection can be very valuable.
Look underneath the car and in the engine bay for the prominent orange cables. You're looking for any signs of cracking, abrasion, or damage to the protective orange sheathing. This could be caused by road debris or even rodents. If you see any damage to these cables, do not drive the car. Call for a tow to a qualified EV technician immediately. A visual check can prevent a potentially dangerous and extremely expensive situation.
14. A Stitch in Time: Windshield and Glass Inspection
A tiny rock chip in your windshield might seem insignificant, but changes in temperature and the vibrations of driving can cause it to spread into a giant crack overnight, forcing a full, expensive windshield replacement. Many modern EV windshields contain sensors and cameras for driver-assist systems, making them particularly costly.
Make it a habit to inspect your windshield regularly for any small chips or stars. If you find one, you can often have it repaired for a fraction of the cost of a replacement. Many insurance policies will even cover the cost of a chip repair with no deductible. It's a small check that can save you hundreds.
15. The Weatherproof Test: Door and Trunk Seals
The rubber seals around your doors, windows, and trunk are your car's primary defense against water, wind, and road noise. Over time, they can dry out, crack, or tear, leading to annoying wind noise or, worse, water leaks.
Run your hand along the seals every few months to feel for any brittle or torn sections. A great way to test them is to go through a car wash and then check the door sills and trunk for any signs of water ingress. A leaking seal can lead to musty odors, mold, and potentially damage electronics hidden in the floor or door panels. Applying a rubber protectant product once a year can also help keep the seals soft and pliable, extending their life significantly.
Your Key to Affordable EV Ownership
Maintaining an out-of-warranty EV doesn't have to be a source of anxiety. As we've seen, you hold the power to drastically reduce your long-term costs by being a proactive and engaged owner. By integrating these 15 simple checks into a regular routine—perhaps on the first weekend of every month—you're not just performing maintenance; you're getting to know your vehicle on a deeper level.
This hands-on approach, championed by knowledgeable owners and technicians like Goh Ling Yong, transforms you from a passive driver into the primary caretaker of your automotive investment. You'll be able to spot trouble long before it becomes a disaster, saving you time, money, and stress.
So, pop the hood, grab a tire gauge, and get started. Your EV—and your bank account—will thank you for it. What's your number one DIY tip for keeping your EV in top shape? Share your wisdom in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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