With advantages like convenience and environmental friendliness, electric vehicles are ever more loved by people, yet few owners ever inspect and maintain the battery. So what checks should be done often? Let us tell you.

1. Routine exterior inspection

The battery normally sits in the engine compartment, and the better-treated ones even have a protective sleeve outside. Although the outside world will not strike it directly, an aging battery can overheat inside, and the hot-and-cold changes can deform its originally flat surface. Once you notice the battery’s shape has changed, it absolutely needs replacement.

Besides checking the battery from the outside, owners can also self-inspect through the color change inside the round check window on some maintenance-free batteries. Checking a battery requires some professional tools, and the more professional testing should be left to a professional repair shop to avoid danger.

Generally a battery’s service cycle is about 2 years, but if the owner uses it properly, its life can reach 4-5 years.

Reminder: after about 2 years of use, the relevant checks should be carried out.

2. Voltage check

The standard voltage of a battery in good condition should stay between 12.2 and 12.7V. If the voltage is too low, it should be charged, keeping a small current for a long charge. Battery charging needs a professional charger; owners must never attempt to charge it on their own. Keeping the engine running will charge the battery. If the battery has aged, it should be replaced.

Reminder: if the battery is not damaged, normal starting and running generate power and recharge it.

3. Electrolyte density check

This is an important parameter for judging whether the battery is charging normally and whether aging has occurred, and it can be measured with a hydrometer or an electrolyte density tester. If the electrolyte density is too small, the battery needs charging. When the electrolyte becomes too concentrated or too dilute to a certain degree, it means phenomena such as plate sulfation, short circuits, or overcharging have occurred, and the battery needs repair.

Reminder: this check generally requires a professional technician at a repair shop; owners usually do not have the corresponding tools.

4. Check the battery terminals

The terminals are where the battery connects to the vehicle. Corrosion or a poor connection there will keep the battery from working well. Owners can check whether white powder has formed near the terminals; that is a sign of corrosion. When there is much white powder or green oxides, pour boiling water to wash it off, then apply some grease or anti-corrosion agent for protection, being careful not to apply too much or it will affect use.

Reminder: always wear gloves for this check to avoid corroding your fingers.

Do these checks regularly, and your vehicle will run steady and safe, letting you ride farther!