Euromaster indicates: battery, battery and transformer cooling system, high-voltage cables, tires, brakes, steering and suspensions
Lisbon, April 30, 2025- The technology of an electric vehicle is very different from that of a vehicle with a combustion engine, so its technical inspection is also special. For this reason Euromaster, a specialist in the comprehensive care and maintenance of vehicles, explores the six key elements to be checked specifically on a vehicle with these characteristics.
Battery health
The battery is the main technical component of electric cars and plug-in hybrids, so checking its “state of health” is vital for its proper functioning. In this regard, Euromaster recently signed an agreement with the specialist company Aviloo to check the condition of the batteries in the network's workshops.
This certification test takes just 3 minutes and is carried out by connecting the various certification devices to the OBD (On Board Diagnostics) socket. During the process, data from the on-site analysis and the vehicle's history are taken into account. Thus, with a certain score, this test analyzes variables such as total energy consumption, complete or incomplete charge cycles or the user's driving style, among others. This test can also be used to detect possible breakdowns or internal problems, issuing an alert message with the specifics of the incident in question.
Battery and transformer ventilation system
Inside the “guts” of an electric vehicle, it is crucial that both the battery and the transformer operate under optimum temperature conditions. That's why the manufacturers decided to add a ventilation/cooling system, either water-cooled or air-cooled.
In the first case, the reservoir should always have the optimum level of fluid, so it is essential to monitor the level and ensure that there are no leaks. In addition, the system's coolant should be replaced when it is in poor condition or at the intervals specified by the manufacturer.
For the air cooling system, the filter must be checked for blockages and replaced periodically if it is in poor condition, an operation that must be included in every maintenance.
Tires
Tires for electric vehicles differ in terms of performance from those of a combustion vehicle in three main respects: they must be very strong due to the usually greater weight of an electric vehicle; they must be able to withstand the full force of the high torque of electric motors, which is usually very energetic and instantaneous; and they tend to have low rolling resistance.
Specific tires for electric vehicles tend to have special dimensions. In terms of maintenance, as with combustion vehicles, it is advisable to check the tire pressure once a month. Many electric vehicle manufacturers also recommend changing the tires from front to rear and vice versa once a year to ensure even wear on all four wheels.
Brakes
There are two braking systems in an electric vehicle. Firstly, regenerative braking, which is activated when the brake is lightly applied or the foot is lifted off the accelerator, transforming kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the batteries. Secondly, there is traditional braking, in which the combined action of the brake pads and disks brings the vehicle to a complete stop.
In an electric vehicle, the most used system is regenerative braking, so mechanical brakes are used less. However, when they have to come into real operation in extreme situations of intense braking, the discs can reach very high temperatures, deforming their structure and therefore having to be replaced.
Suspension and steering
The greater weight of an electric vehicle and the high torque of its engines are two factors that cause the suspension and steering to be subjected to stress, resulting in looseness in the suspension ball joints and in the various steering elements. In this regard, Euromaster recommends a thorough check of the suspension arms and steering alignment at least once a year.
High-voltage cables
For the entire high-voltage cable system to function correctly and optimally, it must be properly insulated and none of the wires must be frayed or “chewed” for safety reasons.
About Euromaster
Euromaster is the network of workshops specializing in complete vehicle maintenance throughout its useful life. Its more than 520 workshops throughout the Iberian Peninsula contribute to the road health of the fleet, both passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as new forms of mobility and their fleets, providing a quality service and capillarity to adapt to your needs. Its services cover not only preventive and corrective maintenance, but also predictive maintenance through the analysis of data and critical points. Part of the Michelin Group, it is present in 19 European countries, with more than 2,700 workshops, 10,700 professionals and a combined turnover of 1.8 billion euros per year. More information at www.euromaster.pt.