Electric car wash: all maintenance tips

Washing an electric car: what to do?

This is not surprising: in general, an electric car can be cleaned like this the same as the thermal imager ... Contrary to what one might think, when it is not charging and even when it is in circulation, the electric vehicle is not afraid of water. Therefore, you can wash an electric car in the same way as a gasoline or diesel one.

Need help getting started?

However, be careful: electric vehicles require extra precautions for certain elements, such as batteries. In order not to risk it, it is always recommended refer to the vehicle user manual ... This valuable document will tell you how to best maintain your vehicle without damaging it. He will also teach you the most sensitive parts of the car and how to protect them when cleaning.

Why wash an electric car?

And here again for the same reasons as for the thermal imager. In a dirty state, an electric car needs more energy to operate. Therefore, regularly wash the electric car, so he consumed less electricity ... Like any piece of equipment, an electric vehicle will have a longer lifespan if properly cared for and will not lose range. It makes sense: the more you take care of your device, the more likely it is to last you a long time. Of course, for personal comfort, you wash your electric car too: it is always more pleasant to drive in a clean vehicle.

Cleaning an electric vehicle: instructions for use

Before cleaning your electric vehicle, refer to the service manual provided by your manufacturer. This is the most reliable information for determining the most recommended type of cleaning for your vehicle, which may have features.

Generally, the cleaning methods for an electric vehicle are the same as for a thermal vehicle.

Tunnel cleaning

Tunnel cleaning widely used in service stations. Principle: Wash your car with a fixed cleaning roller system. During the cleaning of the tunnel, the electric vehicle goes through several stages and encounters different machines. Therefore, it must be turned on in the "neutral" position. Thinking:

• Make sure it has enough battery for washing;
• Do not apply the handbrake;
• Disable all auxiliary automatic systems that are not necessary for the car's operation;
• Fold mirrors;
• Remove the antenna, if present in the vehicle.

Portal cleaning

Gantry cleaning are relatively similar to cleaning a tunnel. Therefore, exactly the same tips and precautions apply. The main difference is that the wash portal is mobile: it is fixed on the rails and moves throughout the car. Therefore, for this type of cleaning, be sure to turn off the vehicle engine and apply the handbrake.

High pressure washing

Washing under high pressure has the advantage that it can be done at home or at home using a jet or a special cleaner. It is not only fast, but above all efficient and cost effective. However, you must be very careful when using this method of cleaning an electric vehicle. Water must not come into contact with electrical components such as the motor, connector location, or swing panel. To avoid any risk, it is also recommended that you dry your machine after each wash with a chamois or microfiber cloth. This will prevent water from entering some fragile components and damaging the system. And your electric car will be even brighter.

Hand wash

Another possibility is handwash ... This solution is no less effective, but also much more economical and, above all, more environmentally friendly. The electric vehicle can be washed by hand with a little water (10 liters is enough) or even without water with some special detergents as part of a dry wash. Just be careful to use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching your car. Again, it is recommended that you dry your vehicle after washing if you choose wet cleaning.

Where to wash an electric car?

To wash an electric car, you have two solutions, just like for a thermal car. You can actually service your car:

• At a special station for automatic washing for a fee;
• At home for hand wash.

Please note: It is forbidden to wash your car on public roads, for example, on the street where your house is located. The reason is simple: washing your car on public roads is prohibited in order to protect the environment. When you clean your car, electric or not, you often use products that pollute the environment. Hydrocarbon or oil residues can also seep into the ground. If you are caught washing an electric vehicle on a public road, you face a € 450 fine.

Things not to do

Here are some precautions to always remember when cleaning an electric vehicle. :

• Never wash your car while the battery is charging;
• Never spray a high pressure jet near the engine or electrical components;
• Never use a high pressure jet to clean the area under the frame;
• Never wash the electric charging station with water;
• Remember to turn off all comfort equipment before cleaning.