As more and more people make the switch to electric cars, it’s important to know how to care for them. Car washing and car detailing are a big part of ownership.

It is a sure way to protect your investment and it will help to extend its life. Detailing an electric car is very similar to detailing a traditional gas-powered vehicle, with just a few things to look out for. Take a look at what you need to know.

Yes, It Can Go Through a Car Wash

Some new electric car owners wonder if they can take their EV through the car wash. The answer is yes. Just like a gas or diesel-powered vehicle, it is safe to bring your EV through a car wash. Automatic car washes will not cause any damage to the battery or electric system because they are all designed to prevent water from getting in.

If you prefer to wash it at home, you can do that too. You’ll need the same type of equipment to wash your EV as you would any other vehicle. Make sure to use soap made for washing cars, microfiber cloths to prevent paint damage, and two buckets of water, so you have one that will stay clean for rinsing. If you use a pressure washer, don’t use it near the charging port. The extra pressure could cause the water to get inside the port.

Cleaning the Charging Station

When it comes to electric vehicles and car detailing, the charging port and charging station need some attention. Before you do anything, make sure the charging station is turned off. You can then use dry cotton swabs to wipe away any dirt and grime that has built up on the charging ports.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt from the outer housing, and then once you’ve removed the dirt you can use another dry microfiber cloth to dry it off. If you don’t take this step, make sure you give it plenty of time to air dry before you use it to charge.

Detailing the Interior

You can detail the interior of the car much like you would any other vehicle. Gather any trash and debris and throw it away, and then wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces with a damp cloth or spray a cloth with a car surface cleaner before wiping down the surfaces. Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats. If you have removable floor mats, take them out and clean the carpet underneath them. You can then wash the floor mats outside of the car before putting them back in.

Don’t Forget the Wheels!

Car detailing means you take care of everything, including the wheels. Start by spraying them with water, and then apply a wheel cleaner. Use a soft brush to dislodge the dirt, grime, and brake dust before rinsing it off. Wash and rinse one wheel at a time.