Avoid Puddles and Flooded Roads
“High Water Pressure and Foreign Substances Pose a Risk to Batteries”
During the summer, when heatwaves and heavy rain occur alongside long-distance driving, it is particularly important to check electric vehicles for issues such as charger and battery condition beforehand. It is recommended to use indoor parking lot chargers when possible and avoid puddles and flooded roads.
K Car, the nation’s largest direct-used car platform, on the 14th, introduced essential inspections and driving tips for safe operation of electric vehicles ahead of the final stages of the holiday season. The guide includes checking the location and environment of charging stations before long-distance driving and being aware of safe charging methods during rainy weather.
The primary thing to check before a trip is information on charging stations located near the destination or along the travel route. Platforms like the Ministry of Environment’s zero-emission car integrated website and the vehicle’s EV system’s charging station guide function can be used to find nearby charging station information.
Attention must also be paid to charging safety management against external conditions such as humidity and rain. Chargers should not be operated with wet hands, and moisture must not enter the charging equipment. The condition of connector and cable insulation should be checked periodically. It is recommended to use certified chargers and adapters by national standards and, if possible, use chargers in indoor parking lots.
During heavy rain, avoid driving through puddles or roads that have started flooding. Electric vehicle batteries are equipped with a high level of waterproof performance, but exposure to high water pressure or unexpected impacts from foreign substances can be dangerous. If unavoidable, proceed slowly to minimize potential impact on the vehicle’s underside.
It is essential to check basic vehicle functions like the battery, air conditioning, and regenerative braking system in advance. In summer, using the ‘Pre-conditioning’ function can be helpful, which optimizes the interior and battery temperatures during charging. This feature reduces power consumption as it operates on external electricity without battery charge loss.
Alongside the regenerative braking system, safety devices like brakes, tires, wipers, and lights should be thoroughly checked. Prepare to replace the smart key battery whenever necessary by identifying the battery type in advance.
To ensure prolonged operation of electric vehicles in the heat, preventing overheating and minimizing the battery burden are crucial. Parking in the shade or indoors to avoid direct sunlight and charging the battery to no more than 80% is effective for protecting long-term battery life.
As energy efficiency and travel range are influenced by the driver’s driving style, speeding and overloading should be avoided. Adhering to speed limits, reducing rapid acceleration and braking, and gently operating the accelerator pedal help maintain battery efficiency.
Hwang Kyu-seok, head of diagnostics at K Car, emphasized, “With proper maintenance, electric vehicles can operate efficiently regardless of seasons, but particular attention should be paid to battery degradation and tire management in extreme heat or cold,” suggesting a thorough vehicle inspection before departure for a pleasant and safe summer vacation.