Caring for an electric vehicle (EV) is actually not as complicated as you might think. Just like conventional cars, EVs also need to be washed regularly to keep them clean, safe to use, and maintain their durability. However, because they have high-voltage components, there are a few things that need extra attention when washing them.

By following the right methods, including manufacturer recommendations, you can extend battery life, maintain stable performance, and minimize the risk of damage. Here are four common mistakes that EV owners often make when washing their cars. Here's what you need to avoid.

1. Forgetting to Pay Attention to Sensitive Electrical Components

Electric cars store a large amount of energy in their motors and batteries. Therefore, certain areas must be treated with extra care.

• Electric motor:

EV motors are directly connected to high-voltage systems. Careless handling can cause electric shock or damage to important components.

• Lithium-ion battery:

EV batteries are highly protected, but they can still be damaged if subjected to hard impacts. If the car has been in a collision or significant impact, owners are advised to turn off the power source and have it checked by a specialist technician.

• Additional electrical features:

EVs also have unique systems such as regenerative braking, high-voltage electrical networks, and regularly updated software. All of these are sensitive to improper handling during the washing process.

2. Using overly aggressive cleaning products

Not all car soaps are safe for EVs. Harsh chemicals such as industrial detergents, acid-based cleaners, or strong degreasers can cause:

• Corrosion of metal
• Damage to seals
• Degradation of paintwork

The best choice is pH-neutral car shampoo or cleaning products labeled as environmentally friendly. In addition to being gentle on paint, these formulas are also safer for sensitive electrical areas.

3. Spraying with Excessive Water Pressure

High-pressure water is effective at removing stubborn dirt, but it is not ideal for electric cars. Extreme sprays can force water into important areas such as charging connectors, sensors, door seals, and electrical component gaps.

Use light to moderate water pressure, then combine it with a sponge or soft cloth. After finishing, make sure the car is thoroughly dried, especially in areas prone to retaining water such as windows, door hinges, or charging socket areas.

4. Ignoring the Condition of the Battery After Washing

• The battery is the "heart" of an EV, and its condition must always be monitored after the car is cleaned.
• Ensure the battery connections are not exposed to water or cleaning fluids.
• Have regular checks performed at an authorized service center or by a certified EV technician.
• Store the vehicle in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Avoid the habit of charging to 100% or letting the battery drain to 0%. The ideal range is between 20%–80%.

Maintaining an electric vehicle is not difficult, as long as you know the safe limits and avoid the common mistakes mentioned above. With the right steps, you can achieve a clean appearance while ensuring long-term performance and safety.

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Tips Aman Cuci Mobil Listrik: Jangan Lakukan 4 Kesalahan Ini

Merawat mobil listrik (EV) sebenarnya tidak serumit yang dibayangkan. Sama seperti mobil konvensional, EV juga perlu dicuci secara rutin agar tampil bersih, aman digunakan, dan terjaga daya tahannya. Namun karena punya komponen bertegangan tinggi, ada beberapa hal yang harus lebih diperhatikan saat mencucinya.

Dengan mengikuti cara yang tepat, termasuk rekomendasi pabrikan, umur baterai bisa lebih panjang, performa tetap stabil, dan risiko kerusakan bisa diminimalkan. Nah, ada empat kesalahan umum yang sering dilakukan pemilik EV saat mencuci mobilnya. Berikut yang perlu kamu hindari.

1. Lupa Memperhatikan Komponen Listrik Sensitif

Mobil listrik menyimpan energi besar di dalam motor dan baterainya. Karena itu, area-area tertentu wajib diperlakukan dengan ekstra hati-hati.

• Motor listrik:

Motor EV berhubungan langsung dengan sistem tegangan tinggi. Penanganan yang sembarangan bisa menimbulkan risiko sengatan listrik atau kerusakan komponen penting.

• Baterai lithium-ion:

Baterai EV sudah dibuat sangat terlindungi, namun tetap bisa bermasalah bila terkena benturan keras. Jika mobil sempat mengalami tabrakan atau guncangan signifikan, pemilik disarankan mematikan sumber daya dan memeriksakannya ke teknisi khusus.

• Fitur kelistrikan tambahan:

EV juga punya sistem unik seperti pengereman regeneratif, jaringan kelistrikan bertegangan tinggi, hingga software yang rutin diperbarui. Semua ini sensitif terhadap perlakuan yang salah saat proses pencucian.

2. Memakai Produk Pembersih yang Terlalu Agresif

Sabun kendaraan tidak semuanya aman untuk EV. Bahan kimia keras seperti deterjen industri, pembersih berbasis asam, atau degreaser kuat bisa menyebabkan:

• Korosi pada logam
• Kerusakan pada segel
• Degradasi lapisan cat

Pilihan terbaik adalah sampo mobil pH netral atau produk pembersih yang berlabel ramah lingkungan. Selain lembut pada cat, formula ini juga lebih aman bagi area kelistrikan yang sensitif.

3. Menyemprot dengan Tekanan Air Berlebihan

Air bertekanan tinggi memang efektif mengusir kotoran membandel, tapi kurang ideal untuk mobil listrik. Semburan ekstrem bisa memaksa air masuk ke area penting seperti konektor pengisian, sensor, segel pintu, hingga celah komponen listrik.

Gunakan tekanan air ringan hingga sedang saja, lalu kombinasikan dengan spons atau kain lembut. Setelah selesai, pastikan mobil dikeringkan secara menyeluruh, terutama di bagian yang rawan menahan air seperti kaca, engsel pintu, atau area soket charging.

4. Mengabaikan Kondisi Baterai Setelah Dicuci

• Baterai adalah “jantung” EV, dan kondisinya harus selalu diperhatikan setelah mobil dibersihkan.
• Pastikan koneksi baterai tidak terkena air atau cairan pembersih.
• Lakukan pengecekan berkala di bengkel resmi atau teknisi bersertifikat EV.
• Simpan mobil di tempat bersuhu stabil.
• Hindari kebiasaan mengisi daya hingga 100% atau membiarkan baterai drop sampai 0%. Rentang idealnya ada di 20%–80%.

Merawat mobil listrik tidak sulit, asal tahu batas aman dan menghindari kesalahan umum di atas. Dengan langkah yang tepat, tampilan bersih bisa didapat, sementara performa dan keamanannya tetap terjaga dalam jangka panjang.