Having an EV charger in your home is incredibly convenient as it allows you to charge your electric vehicle overnight as well as skip the line at public EV charging stations. However, if you want it to work effectively and last for a long time, there are some basic maintenance steps you should be aware of.
Make Sure Your Charger Is Always Clean
If your EV charger is in the garage, dirt and dust can quickly cover the charging ports and connectors. Over time, this can prevent your vehicle from charging efficiently. If your area suffers from humidity, your EV charger may also become corroded. By cleaning it regularly, you can maximize its life span and ensure that your charger is always operating efficiently.
To clean your EV charger, first turn it off and unplug it. Then, get a soft, non-abrasive cloth and simply wipe it down. Wipe down only the external sections, and avoid using any chemicals or abrasive materials. These could damage your charger. In addition, make sure you don’t accidentally let water seep into your charging cable. In fact, your cable should have a protective cap that you can use while cleaning it.
Inspect the Charger’s Cable Regularly
Cables can suffer wear and tear after some time, so make sure to inspect the charger cable regularly. Look for signs of fraying or damage. A frayed or damaged cable could cause a short circuit or an electric shock. A damaged cable could also cause overheating, which could damage both your EV charger and your electric vehicle.
If your charging cable is worn out, has cracks, or has changed color, you may experience slower charging speeds or stop-stop charging sessions. When this happens, it’s probably time to consider a new cable.
Be Aware of the Temperature
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, your EV battery may be affected. If you are experiencing a heat wave and your garage has very high temperatures, your battery may experience degradation. In addition, the charger may overheat. If you are experiencing very cold temperatures, on the other hand, the charging process could be affected.
On extremely hot days, try to charge your electric vehicle when temperatures have cooled — during the evening or at night. On extremely cold days, try to find the warmest part of the day to charge your vehicle.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions Carefully
Each EV charger comes with specific manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to read these instructions and follow them carefully. Manufacturers typically provide the recommended ways you should use your EV charger. By following their instructions, you can be sure that you are using the charger correctly. Instructions usually provide the best electrical connections and the optimal ambient charging temperature.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll get to maintain your warranty coverage, too. This can help save you money if you experience any repair or replacement issues.
Trust Your Local Experts
If you’re thinking about having an EV charger installed in your Boise, ID home, contact us at Sublime Electric today. We can send over a fully licensed electrician to install your EV charger.
