How to Take Care of Your EV Tires

Tires are the only point of contact between your electric vehicle and the road surface, so they must be kept in good condition. Most people, however, are concerned with their electric vehicle’s performance, range, and charging time, while overlooking tire maintenance. It is also important to have proper wheels and tires for your vehicle.

Failure to take proper care of your electric vehicle’s tires may result in a reduced range, increased wear, or, in the worst-case scenario, an accident. There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your tires and enjoy a more comfortable, safer, and efficient ride.

Trail Tire Auto Centers can help you to change to winter tires, and winter wheels for your electric vehicle tires in Alberta and BC. We can help with any sort of summer and winter tires to make sure you have the right fit for your vehicle. Stop by any Trail Tire Auto Centers to shop for winter tires for your electric vehicle.

1) Regular Visual Inspection

Unlike gas-powered vehicles, which require regular oil changes, electric vehicles have long maintenance intervals, which means you won’t have to have a mechanic inspect your car now and then. As a result, it is recommended that you visually inspect your vehicle every time you charge it.

A visual inspection assists you in identifying issues such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or other damage to the tread. Be sure to check both the inside and outside shoulders of your tires.

2) Check the Air Pressure

The air pressure in your electric vehicle’s tires should be checked at least once a month, and more frequently in light snow, and winter conditions. This will help ensure that the tires maintain the factory-recommended inflation pressure, allowing the vehicle to operate within its intended range, with your certified winter tires.

Your tires, especially snow tires will wear out faster if you do not maintain proper air pressure, which will result in increased rolling resistance. Improper inflation also has an impact on your electric vehicle’s noise levels. Maintaining the stated level of air pressure is therefore critical.

3) Keep an Eye on the Tread Depth

Another important tip for keeping your electric vehicle’s tires in good condition is to check their tread depth regularly. A proper tread depth improves traction on the road and keeps you from skidding off when you turn a corner. The recommended minimum tread depth is 2/32 inches for passenger cars. 

For a more accurate depth check, try the toonie method. Simply insert the toonie’s outside edge into the tread of your tire. If the tread reaches as far as the bear’s paws, your tire is in good shape. If it reaches across the silver, they are 50% worn, and if the tire tread reaches only about halfway into the letters “CANADA” or “DOLLARS”, it’s time to shop for new tires.

4) Rotate Tires Regularly

Tire rotations even out the wear and tear on your tires. It is more important in electric vehicles than in gas-powered vehicles due to their heavier weights and high wear rates. 

Regularly rotating your tires distributes the wear more evenly across the whole set, helping them last longer and perform better. Tire manufacturers recommend that your tires be rotated every 10,000 kilometers. Your owner’s manual will also have instructions on how to rotate your tires.

5) Get Wheels Aligned and Tires Balanced

An alignment adjustment alters the angle at which the tires make contact with the road. It is required if you are having issues with your electric vehicle tires, such as low battery range or uneven wear. Alignment extends the life of your tires while also improving the overall performance of your electric vehicle in all driving conditions.

Another way to ensure that wear is distributed across all four tires is to have them balanced regularly. Tire balancing also reduces excessive vibrations when driving, for a more comfortable and quiet ride. 

6) Fit Your Electric Vehicle with The Right Tires

Having the right tires fitted on your electric vehicle is critical to its performance and increasing its tread life. Different electric vehicles require different tire specifications. Your tire choice will be influenced by factors such as season, weather, road conditions, driving style, and, of course, the driver’s budget.

Consider fitting a dedicated set of winter tires during the cold winter season, and all-season tires during the warmer months. This will help to extend the life of your all-season tires while also keeping you safe during inclement weather.

7) Watch Out for Potholes and other Road Hazards

Avoiding potholes and other road hazards is one of the most important things you can do to protect your electric vehicle tires. Potholes can damage your tires in the winter and summer seasons and, in some cases, your wheels, necessitating a replacement sooner than necessary.

Looking for a new set of EV tires? Try shopping online, or speak with a service advisor to find the best set for you today!