Richmond Auto Repair

Owning an electric vehicle (EV) comes with plenty of advantages, from lower fuel costs to reduced emissions. However, EV ownership requires a different approach to maintenance, charging, and daily driving habits compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Understanding the best practices can help you maximize your EV’s efficiency and lifespan while avoiding common pitfalls. Do: Follow a Proper Charging Routine Charging your EV correctly is essential for maintaining battery health. While fast charging is convenient, relying on it too often can degrade the battery over time. It’s best to use a Level 2 home charger for daily charging and reserve fast charging for road trips or emergency situations. Keeping your battery between 20% and 80% charge can also help extend its lifespan. Don’t: Let Your Battery Drain Completely Allowing your battery to drop to 0% charge frequently can reduce its long-term capacity. EV batteries perform best wh ... read more

Hearing strange noises when you hit the brakes? That’s never a good sign. Whether it’s a squeak, a grind, or a loud screech, any unusual sound coming from your brakes should never be ignored. Your braking system is one of the most important safety features of your car, and when it starts making noise, it’s trying to tell you something. Let’s find out what different brake noises mean, why they happen, and when you should take action before minor issues turn into costly repairs. Squeaking or Squealing Brakes One of the most common brake noises is a high-pitched squeal. In many cases, this sound is caused by brake pad wear indicators—small metal tabs designed to alert you when it’s time for a replacement. If you hear a squealing sound consistently, it likely means your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be changed soon. However, sometimes brakes squeak due to temporary factors like moisture or dust buildup. If the noise happens ... read more