If you work in the automotive sector and follow the technological progress , you know that electric cars are here to stay.
It looks like it was yesterday, but the truth is that these cars have been on the roads for over a decade.
So if you’re running an auto workshop or if you are a mechanic and haven’t yet started repairing electric cars, you should definitely start doing it. How? We can help.
How to repair electric cars: 3 Key tips
The electric car market is growing rapidly.
If you want to be one step ahead of the competition and you plan on maximizing your workshop’s profits, you should learn more about electric cars.
Here are 3 essential tips to start repairing electric cars:
1. Battery Precautions
Most electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries that require special handling measures.
If mechanics do not obtain specific training on how to deal with this equipment, they can damage it. Also, they must follow safety measures, so they won’t put their well-being at risk.
Mechanics must receive specific training and obtain a certificate in order to repair electric cars.
Even if the battery is not damaged, the workshop needs to pay close attention to it. It is not possible to properly repair something that is not well-known to the mechanic. Training is not only essential but also a necessary investment.
2. ADAS System
As car manufacturers continue to innovate with their cars, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) also keep on evolving.
ADAS increases road safety and helps drivers to park their cars and stay within the limits of the road. However, this sophisticated system also makes repairs more expensive.
Generally, electric cars come equipped with a wide variety of ADAS, forcing workshops to invest in specific equipment and installations, as well as training for their employees.
ADAS sensors can be stored in parts of the vehicle that are easily hit during a collision, such as the bumper, mirrors, windshield and tires.
Calibrating this system becomes an essential part in the repair of electric vehicles, to ensure that everything is working properly.
3. Light Materials
Many electric cars contain very different materials, which are usually very light and expensive. The main reason? Energy efficiency. The lighter the car, the less energy and fuel it will need.
The other reason for using lightweight materials is European CO2 emission laws for new cars.
The additional reason for the increased costs is the use of lightweight materials, the so-called ‘bend zones’.
Each car has a crumple zone – an area that will withstand most of the impact during a collision, increasing passenger safety.
Since the materials in these cars (aluminum, magnesium and steel) are better at absorbing energy than solid steel, they are being used more often by car manufacturers. But with better energy absorption during the collision, the size of the damage can also be greater.
Learning to work with these new materials is essential to make an optimal repair of an electric car.
Electric cars: Safety precautions in their repair
Working with active energy sources requires maximum safety prevention.
Some essential auto tools and safety equipment for electric car repairs include:
1. Gloves. Specifically, rubber gloves for high tension. These gloves allow mechanics to deactivate batteries and handle high voltage parts, avoiding potentially fatal electric shocks.
2. Protective suit. The electrolyte used in some electric car batteries is highly toxic. Therefore, choose to wear protective clothing when working.
3. Safety glasses. Although this is a very rare situation, a defective voltmeter can explode when checking the voltage of a damaged hybrid or electric car. As a precaution, wear eye protection when making tension measurements.
4. Isolated hook. The isolated hook is used to take mechanics away from the electric vehicle, in case of electrocution. It is not mandatory to have it, but it is a good idea for mechanics when dealing with electricity.
Important: Never use accessories (rings, bracelets, watches) when repairing an electric car, as this increases the likelihood of electrocution.
Electric car repair represents the future of auto workshops.
Invest in training your employees, in having the right tools and equipment and continue to learn every day. This way, your entire team will be able to work comfortably and safely – and your customers will be satisfied.
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