During the winter season, a lot of people hit the road for holiday travel. So if you own an electric vehicle (EV), you must ensure it’s always charged and ready to go. Before you take any trips during this busy time of year, it’s crucial to make sure that your home EV charger is in excellent condition.
Inspect Your Charger Like a Pro
The first thing you should do is carefully inspect the charging cable. Look to see if there are any cracks or fraying. A worn-out cable can cause charging problems or even be a safety hazard, so you should replace it if you see any damage. You should also check the charging port and plug on your car to see if they’re worn out or corroded. If you notice anything that looks strange, have an electrician check it out.
Installation Is Key
If you are a new EV owner or have just got a new charger, check to see that it was installed properly. If the charger was installed incorrectly, it might take longer to charge your car. You might even hear weird buzzing sounds when it’s plugged in. If you notice anything unusual, call an electrician to inspect it. They can make sure everything is safe and that your charger is working as efficiently as possible. This is especially important during this time of year when you’re probably using your charger more often.
Beat the Cold Weather Charging Blues
Wintry weather can affect how your EV charges. It might take longer to fully charge your car when temperatures drop. This is because the cold can slow down the chemical reactions in the battery. However, there are a few things you can do to mitigate this issue. If you’re planning a long trip, start charging your car a bit earlier than usual, maybe even the night before. You can also try to park your car in a warmer spot, like a garage, while it’s charging. This will help keep the battery warm and make charging faster.
Keep It Clean and Easy to Use
While it’s easy to let things get messy during the festivities, try to keep the area around your charger clean and free of clutter. This will make it easier to plug in your car when you need to. Also, ensure your charger is easy to reach. You don’t want to have to move boxes or decorations around when you’re trying to charge your car in a hurry.
A professional inspection now and then can really help your EV charger. An electrician can check for any hidden problems and ensure everything is working as it should. To make sure your EV charger is ready for all the fun, reach out to Burnett Electric in Reno, NV.
