Chevy Bolt Maintenance Schedule | Electric Car Maintenance

The Chevy Bolt is an electric car powered by a 66 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It takes 10 hours to charge when connected to a 240-volt charging component, and it has a running span of 259 miles when fully charged. With an estimated weight of 3,563 pounds, the Chevy Bolt’s peak acceleration is about 93 mph. The Chevy Bolt is one of the most popular cars in Youngstown, Ohio, because you can go up to 150,000 miles without having to visit a certified service center.

In this post, we explain what a Chevy Bolt maintenance schedule involves and the recommended frequency of vital checks.

Battery Inspection

The battery keeps the entire car operational. A dead or faulty battery is less likely to start a car and, if it does, might soon die. On average, electric vehicle batteries last eight to 10 years, and most warranties cover them for that duration. Do battery checks regularly, however, if you start experiencing lags in the starter or dim lights. Another indicator of a weak battery is losing charge faster than usual.

For good battery health, consider the following tips:

• Switch off interior and exterior lights and all electrical devices after turning off the ignition.
• Allow the battery to charge fully before taking the car for a drive.
• Clean the battery terminals using appropriate products to prevent corrosion.
• Park the vehicle in areas with no extreme heat or cold to enhance the battery’s performance.
• Tighten all cables connected to the charging systems.

A fully charged battery can go for hundreds of miles, but a weak or old battery might only go for a few miles.

Tire Wear and Rotation

Check the condition of your Chevy Bolt’s tires by looking for signs of wear or damage at least once a month. Indications you might need a tire change include bumps, bulges, splits, or cords showing through the tire. Though manufacturers recommend changing all four tires at once, sometimes you only need to change one or two. If you find yourself in this situation, ensure uniformity in type, size, and brand of the tires for a smooth drive.

Rotation helps even the wear on your tires, and the recommended cycle for a Chevy Bolt is 7,500 miles. Rotating tires regularly enables your service technician to check for damage, tire inflation pressure, and balancing irregularities. Even treadwear provides your vehicle with better traction and consistency in all four wheels. Furthermore, your car becomes safer with better braking and handling.

A flat tire calls for immediate attention. Driving on a flat tire causes more damage to the wheels and alignment. If you get a flat, use the spare tire for a short duration — no more than a day — before replacing it with a new tire.

Air Conditioning System and Cabin Air Filter

Have your vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) system checked after seven years. According to Firestone, leakage can occur in the system due to aging and moisture. Degradation of rubber seals allows water to enter the AC system and the refrigerant to escape. Other times, the AC might start blowing hot air due to leaks or clogs. Replace the air conditioning desiccant during your seventh-year scheduled maintenance.

After about 22,500 miles, replace the passenger compartment air filter. If you drive along gravel or dusty roads frequently, replace the filters every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Air filters ensure you breathe clean air while in the car by preventing dust and mold from entering the interior. Clean air also benefits the engine because it prevents overheating.

If you can smell the conversion of cold to warm air, it might be time to change the cabin air filters.

Brake System

The Chevy Bolt is a green car that uses regenerative braking by harnessing kinetic energy. Hence, it requires less maintenance than a vehicle using a combustion engine. The frequency of replacing the brake discs and pads largely depends on your recovery settings and braking habits. You can extend the life of these parts through intelligent driving that involves interpreting traffic movement and avoiding hard braking.

Signs you need maintenance services for your brakes include grinding or squealing noises and difficulty stopping. Have the brake calipers cleaned and lubricated annually.

Fluid Levels and Leaks

Electric cars’ only fluids are the coolant liquid, brake fluid, and windshield washer. The Chevy Bolt’s system performs optimally when approved fluids are at the proper level and condition.

Keep windshield washer fluid levels at three-quarters during cold weather to allow for expansion. Once a month, check the windshield washer fluid level. Maintain brake fluid levels between the maximum and minimum lines of the tank at all times. Replace brake fluid for your electric vehicle every 24 months or 30,000 miles.

Drain the coolant and pour in new coolant every 150,000 miles. The coolant system in an electric car maintains the battery and other electronics. Check coolant fluids frequently, and top them off if the levels are low.

Check the hoses anytime you have a fluid change to ensure they flow correctly and have no blockages or leaks. These are all tasks our Certified Service experts can perform during regular maintenance visits.

Gas Struts and Shocks

Have the gas struts that support your Bolt’s hood and body lift checked after 7,400 miles. Gas struts typically lose efficiency within a few years, making them unable to support the hood. For proper restoration, they will need to be regassed. After 10 years, you will need to replace the gas struts.

Worn-out shocks cause uneven wear on tires, bouncing while braking, and steering wheel vibrations. Manufacturers recommend checking the shock absorbers after 50,000 miles or four years.

Schedule Your Chevy Bolt Maintenance at Cochran Chevrolet

If you notice anything unusual with your Chevy Bolt, make an impromptu visit to our dealership for an inspection. We can catch and fix many minor issues before they become serious. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment or checkup for your Chevy Bolt in Youngstown, Ohio.