The winter season is one of the busiest travel times of the year. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, this means making sure your car is charged and ready to go. One key part of this preparation is making sure your home EV charger is working properly. Whether you’re heading out for a long trip or just zipping around town to visit family and friends, your home charger plays a big role in keeping your vehicle powered up and ready to hit the road.
Check the Condition of the Charger
Before you begin your travels, it’s important to check the overall condition of your home EV charger. This includes inspecting the cable for any damage, such as fraying or cracking. If the cord is worn out or damaged in any way, it could lead to problems when you try to charge your vehicle. You should also check the plug and charging port for any signs of wear or corrosion. These issues can prevent the charger from working properly and may even pose a safety risk.
Ensure Your Charger Is Properly Installed
If you’re new to electric vehicles or recently upgraded your charging station, it’s important to make sure your EV charger is installed correctly. A poorly installed charger can not only be less efficient but also dangerous. If you’ve noticed your charger taking longer than usual to charge your vehicle or if you hear unusual sounds like buzzing when it’s plugged in, these could be signs that something’s wrong with the installation.
Consider having an electrician inspect the charger to make sure it’s installed properly and meets all electrical code requirements. This can prevent potential hazards and ensure that your charger operates at its best during this busy season when you’re using it more often.
Plan for Charging During Cold Weather
During the winter season, temperatures often drop, and cold weather can impact the performance of both your vehicle and your home EV charger. Cold temperatures can slow down the charging process, meaning it might take longer for your car to reach a full charge. To combat this, it’s a good idea to start charging your vehicle well in advance of when you plan to leave.
For example, if you know you’ll be driving long distances to visit family, start charging your car overnight or even a day in advance to ensure it’s fully charged when ready. You can also try to keep your car and charger in a warmer area, like a garage, to help maintain efficiency.
Keep Your Charger Clean and Accessible
With all the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as keeping your charger area clean. Make sure the area around your home EV charger is clear of debris and obstructions so that you can easily access it when you need to.
Finally, you should also have your charger professionally inspected. Licensed electricians will be able to spot and fix minor issues before they can get out of control and ruin all your fun. If you need EV charger services in Eugene, OR, contact Excel Electric.