The importance of removing air when changing coolant fluids in your electric car
I have an electric car that recently needed the fluids changed for the EV battery after 5 years / 90.000 km. My dealer missed a critical step in the process because they were in a hurry. Here’s an important tip how you can hopefully prevent this from happening in your electric car by giving the dealer a critical instruction that they cannot slip. This happened in my 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV / Opel Ampera-e.
Why use a proper vacuum pump to remove air when changing battery fluids in your electric car.
When changing fluids in an electric car, such as coolant for the battery or motor systems, using a vacuum pump to remove air is important for a few key reasons:
- Preventing Air Pockets: Air trapped in the system can create pockets that disrupt the flow of fluid. In an electric car, this is especially critical for the battery cooling system, where even small air bubbles can reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, potentially leading to overheating and damage to sensitive components like the battery cells.
- Ensuring Proper Fluid Fill: A vacuum pump evacuates the air from the system, allowing the new fluid to fill all the channels and components completely and evenly. Without this step, you might end up with incomplete fills or inconsistent pressure, which can compromise performance.
- Maintaining System Efficiency: Electric vehicles rely on precise thermal management. Air in the coolant lines acts as an insulator, reducing the system’s ability to regulate temperatures effectively. Removing it ensures the fluid can do its job—whether that’s cooling the battery, motor, or power electronics.
- Avoiding Corrosion or Degradation: Trapped air can introduce moisture or oxygen into sealed systems, which might lead to corrosion or degradation of components over time. A vacuum pump helps minimize this risk by ensuring a clean, air-free environment before refilling.
Feedback
What electric car do you drive and has this high voltage battery fluid error ever happen to you too? If you’re planning on doing this yourself, it’s worth checking your car’s manual—some EVs might have specific bleed procedures instead, but the vacuum method is a pro-level move for a reason. Please support and subscribe to my YouTube channel so I can test, review and compare new products.