Proper car maintenance is important for any vehicle, but for hybrid and electric vehicles, this means using the correct products to keep them functioning reliably. A few weeks ago, we discussed the best greases for electric vehicles and went through some of the products and brands recommended by Tesla. In that article, we also highlighted a few LIQUI MOLY products that work on hybrid and EV vehicles, but did you know that LIQUI MOLY has a line of products specifically engineered for hybrid and electric vehicles?
We’ll explore LIQUI MOLY’s EV line, the science behind these products, and their recommended uses. Before buying a product, please consult your owner’s manual to check for approved products and recommendations from the manufacturer.
Gear Oil
Although hybrid and electric vehicles operate much differently from standard combustion-engine vehicles, this doesn’t mean they can do without lubricants. Temperatures within an electric vehicle’s drivetrain can rise significantly while driving, so the gear oil needs to withstand high physical and thermal stress.
The first gear oil recommendation now available through Energie Fuel is LIQUI MOLY’s Top Tec Gear EV 510, which LIQUI MOLY recommends for various Tesla models. This synthetic gear oil is engineered to provide excellent corrosion protection, high pressure-absorption capability, high wear resistance, and strong resistance to aging and oxidation.
For owners of Cadillac, Ford, and Mazda electric vehicle models, LIQUI MOLY’s Top Tec Gear EV 520 may be the better option when the vehicle requires this type of lubricant. This low-viscosity transmission fluid is engineered to provide high resistance to oxidation and wear, prevent foam formation, and enable long oil-change intervals.
Brake System
Moving on to the brake system, did you know that the brake systems of hybrid and electric vehicles operate differently from those in regular combustion-engine vehicles? The reason for this is that the electric motor not only helps move the vehicle but can also assist with braking through regenerative braking.
Because of the recuperation process that occurs in both hybrid and electric vehicles, the conventional brake discs and pads may be used less frequently, which can make them more prone to corrosion. At the same time, the braking system still needs to perform reliably under demanding operating conditions.
This is why EV and hybrid vehicles may require a synthetic brake fluid specifically designed for these applications, such as LIQUI MOLY’s Brake Fluid DOT 5.1 EV. Whether your vehicle has disc or drum brakes, or a hydraulic clutch system, this brake fluid is designed to help ensure safe braking with extremely high wet and dry boiling points.
LIQUI MOLY Brake Fluid DOT 5.1 EV is also formulated with low electrical conductivity, excellent thermal stability, corrosion protection, and strong protection against the formation of steam bubbles.
Battery
All this talk about temperature brings us to the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, which contains temperature-sensitive components alongside systems such as the electric motor and power electronics.
Lithium-ion batteries usually operate between 59° F (15°C) and 104°F (40°C), which is why a properly designed coolant can help prevent the battery from getting hotter or colder than what is ideal.
The LIQUI MOLY Battery Coolant EV 200 is specifically formulated to help keep the temperature within a lithium-ion battery segment constant and provide long-term stability. It also helps protect the cooling system against corrosion and is recommended by LIQUI MOLY for applications in Hyundai and Kia models.
For fuel-cell vehicles, LIQUI MOLY also offers Fuel Cell Coolant FCF20, which is formulated for use in fuel-cell systems such as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems. This coolant is designed to provide long-term stability while handling the thermal demands generated within fuel-cell systems.
Hybrid Vehicles
The last product we want to highlight is specifically for modern hybrid vehicles. A hybrid vehicle’s engine operates differently because the combustion engine is only used as required and works alongside the electric motor. This means that fuel can remain in the tank for a longer period compared to a traditional combustion-engine vehicle. Lower fuel consumption can present unique problems, such as the aging of gasoline in the tank, corrosion, and deposits that can affect pumps, lines, and other components.
To help prevent these issues, you need an additive with cleaning and protective properties that can help remove deposits and protect the fuel system against corrosion. The LIQUI MOLY Hybrid Additive is designed specifically for hybrid vehicles to help stabilize fuel, protect against fuel aging, and keep the fuel system clean.
The additive is also designed to be added directly to the fuel tank using the attached nozzle for easy application.
Hopefully, this introductory guide to LIQUI MOLY’s line of EV and hybrid products will help you make more informed decisions about maintaining your vehicle.
If you’re a fleet owner interested in ordering LIQUI MOLY Top Tec Gear EV 510 or other LIQUI MOLY products in bulk, please contact Energie Fuel to learn more about our bulk lubricant services. We can recommend the best lubricant products for your specific fleet and schedule deliveries for businesses throughout California.