Electric Car Suspension, Brakes & Tyre Repairs – What You Need to Know
Electric Car Suspension, Brakes & Tyre Repairs – What You Need to Know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often praised for their smooth ride, instant acceleration, and reduced maintenance needs, but they still require regular servicing and repairs—especially when it comes to suspension, brakes, and tyres.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialise in electric vehicle suspension, brake, and tyre repairs, ensuring your EV remains safe and roadworthy. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How EV weight impacts suspension and tyre wear
✅ Why EVs wear out brakes differently from petrol/diesel cars
✅ Common suspension issues in electric vehicles
✅ Signs your EV needs suspension, brake, or tyre repairs
✅ How to maintain your EV’s suspension and braking system for longevity
If you own an electric car, regular suspension and brake maintenance is essential to ensure a smooth, safe driving experience.
1. How Does an Electric Car’s Weight Affect Suspension & Tyre Wear?
Electric vehicles are heavier than petrol and diesel cars due to their large battery packs. This extra weight puts more strain on the suspension components, tyres, and braking system.
🚗 Impact of Extra EV Weight on Suspension & Tyres:
✔️ Faster Suspension Wear – Shock absorbers, control arms, and springs experience higher loads, leading to premature wear.
✔️ Increased Tyre Wear – EVs put more pressure on tyres, particularly on the front wheels, causing quicker tread wear.
✔️ More Stress on Bushings & Joints – Heavier weight means ball joints, track rod ends, and wishbone bushings degrade faster.
📌 Regular suspension checks are essential for EVs, as excessive wear can affect handling, stability, and ride comfort.
2. Common Suspension Issues in Electric Vehicles
Because of their weight and instant torque, EVs experience different suspension issues compared to petrol or diesel cars.
🚨 Most Common EV Suspension Problems:
❌ Sagging or Worn-Out Springs – The extra weight of EV batteries puts strain on coil springs, causing them to sag over time.
❌ Shock Absorber Wear – Heavier vehicles compress shocks more forcefully, leading to quicker fluid leaks and reduced damping performance.
❌ Excessive Tyre Wear on One Side – Misaligned wheels or worn-out suspension parts cause uneven tyre wear.
❌ Knocking Noises Over Bumps – This can indicate worn-out suspension bushings, ball joints, or drop links.
❌ Steering Instability or Poor Handling – A sign that suspension components are failing or misaligned.
📌 If you notice a rough ride, knocking noises, or uneven tyre wear, your EV’s suspension may need attention.
3. EV Brake System – Why It’s Different & Still Needs Maintenance
Many electric cars use regenerative braking, meaning the motor helps slow the car down before the traditional disc brakes engage. While this reduces brake pad wear, it doesn’t eliminate brake issues altogether.
🚨 Why EVs Still Need Brake Maintenance:
✔️ Rust & Corrosion Build-Up – Since EV brakes are used less often, moisture builds up, leading to rusted discs and seized calipers.
✔️ Brake Fluid Still Needs Changing – Even though pads last longer, brake fluid absorbs moisture, reducing braking performance.
✔️ Heavier Vehicle = More Brake Load – When brakes are needed, they work harder due to the extra EV weight, increasing wear.
✔️ Uneven Brake Wear – If one side wears out faster, it could indicate a problem with brake calipers or suspension alignment.
📌 Regular brake inspections prevent seized components, ensuring your EV stops efficiently when needed.
4. Signs Your EV Needs Suspension, Brake, or Tyre Repairs
🚨 Common Warning Signs That Your EV Needs a Repair:
✔️ Unstable Steering or Pulling to One Side – Could indicate worn suspension components or wheel misalignment.
✔️ Knocking or Clunking Noises Over Bumps – A sign of worn ball joints, bushings, or shocks.
✔️ Tyre Tread Wearing Unevenly – Often caused by suspension misalignment or worn shock absorbers.
✔️ Steering Feels Too Stiff or Too Loose – Suggests issues with suspension geometry or power steering systems.
✔️ Brakes Feeling Spongy or Vibrating – Could be due to rusted discs, air in the system, or worn brake pads.
📌 Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more costly repairs and affect your EV’s handling and safety.
5. How to Maintain Your EV’s Suspension, Brakes & Tyres
Keeping your EV’s suspension, brakes, and tyres in top condition will improve ride comfort, efficiency, and safety.
🔧 Essential EV Maintenance Tips:
✅ Get Suspension & Steering Checked Annually – Prevents premature wear on shocks, control arms, and joints.
✅ Rotate Your Tyres Every 6,000 – 8,000 Miles – Helps even out wear due to extra EV weight and front-wheel torque stress.
✅ Check Tyre Pressure Regularly – Underinflated tyres wear out faster and reduce range efficiency.
✅ Brake Fluid Change Every 2 Years – Maintains braking performance and prevents moisture buildup.
✅ Use Brakes Occasionally on Long Journeys – Regenerative braking means discs and pads are used less, so apply brakes occasionally to clean rust off.
📌 Proactive maintenance prevents costly repairs and extends the lifespan of key EV components.
6. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for EV Suspension & Brake Repairs in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we specialise in electric vehicle repairs, ensuring your EV’s suspension, brakes, and tyres remain in peak condition.
✔️ EV Suspension Specialists – Experts in shock absorbers, bushings, and control arm repairs.
✔️ Brake System Repairs – Preventing corrosion, seized calipers, and uneven braking.
✔️ Wheel Alignment & Tyre Services – Ensuring even tyre wear and optimal handling.
✔️ Regenerative Braking Checks – Diagnosing brake system performance issues.
✔️ Competitive Pricing & Transparent Quotes – No hidden fees, just expert service.
🚗 Keep your electric car safe and comfortable—book a suspension or brake check today!
Book Your EV Suspension & Brake Repair at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for expert EV repairs in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Electric Vehicle Repair Specialists.