Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Taking Care of Your EV Tyres

Electric vehicles (EVs) feature some of the latest automotive tech on the market, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a helping hand from their drivers sometimes. To get the most out of your EV, you need to give it proper care and attention, and this includes maintaining your EV tyres.

Firstly, let’s cover the basics.

There are no legal requirements stating that electric vehicles need to have a specific type of tyre vs petrol and diesel cars. However, if you want to ensure optimal performance for your EV, we’d recommend opting for an EV tyre over a conventional one.

• EV tyres are more durable as they have been designed to withstand extra weight, and absorb the strain which would have otherwise been put on conventional tyres
• EV and hybrid tyres are quieter as they have a foam inlay and additional rubber

Similarly to conventual tyres, EV tyres should last you between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. That is, of course, if you drive sensibly and look after them.

To help you take care of your EV tyres, here are some maintenance tips.

Tyres are a critical component for any vehicle, influencing comfort, safety and also efficiency. As EVs are heavier and respond more briskly while accelerating than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, they can put extra strain on their tyres. So, it’s important to take care of your EV tyres.

Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month. Besides affecting grip, underinflated tyres lead to a 0.2% drop in mileage for every pound per square inch (psi) beneath the suggested tyre pressure. You’ll also have to replace your tyres sooner if you don’t inflate them enough.

Regular checks of tyre pressure are important all year around, however it’s worth paying extra attention in winter. According to Continental, tyres lose a couple of PSI (pounds per square inch) of tyre pressure when the outside temperature falls by 10°C. Deflated tyres are a major hazard in wet or icy conditions, and your EV’s range will also suffer if you don’t keep them pumped up. If you have seasonal tyres, make sure you change to winter tyres on time!

Ideally, you should be checking your tyre tread every few weeks, especially if you tend to drive long distances. One quick and easy way to do this is using the 20p test. Simply insert a 20p into the groove of your tyre and if the outer band is visible, then the tread is too low, and you should replace the tyre as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can use a depth gauge to get a more accurate measurement of the tyre tread – this is the approach we’d recommend.

Keep a close eye on your wheel alignment. Alignment issues can cause problems with your tyres. If you feel the car pull in one direction or another, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. Improper alignment can also reduce your range by as much as 10%!

Make sure to do physical checks regularly for any signs of general wear and tear. Look out for cuts, bulges, or anything else that may have caused a puncture. If you do notice any damage to your EV tyres, get a mechanic to check it out. They may need to make urgent repairs, or your tyres may need to be replaced all together.

Find out about the tyre maintenance and repair services we offer as part of our leasing contracts.

Taking care of your EV tyres is essential, but it’s just as important to practice good driving habits to maintain the condition of your tyres. Excessive harsh breaking and mounting curbs can have a detrimental impact on your tyres, causing them to wear more quickly. So, make sure you drive with caution. Avoid uneven road surfaces, potholes, and drive slowly over speedbumps.

Overall, you want to ensure you’re probably looking after your electric vehicle in order to get the most out of it. For more maintenance tips, check out these additional 5 ways to maximise your EV’s range.

Our net-zero commitment

LeasePlan is leading the transition to zero-emission mobility and has set itself the goal to achieve net-zero tailpipe emissions from its funded fleet by 2030. As a founding member of the EV100 – a global initiative of forward-looking companies committed to accelerating the transition to EVs – sustainable mobility is at the heart of everything we do.