Smart Fortwo Electric: Maintenance Must-Knows

what maintenance required for smart fortwo electric

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is a battery-electric vehicle that requires minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric vehicles like the Smart Fortwo do not require oil and oil filter changes as they lack internal combustion engines. This significantly reduces the maintenance cost and effort associated with traditional cars. However, it is recommended to have the brake system, parking brake, exterior lighting, warning lamps, and electrical components checked regularly. Additionally, annual battery checks, tire rotations, and cabin filter changes are advised. For safety reasons, Smart recommends that maintenance work on the drive system and high-voltage system be performed by qualified specialists at authorized electric drive centers. The brand offers a basic warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles and a High Voltage Battery Limited Warranty for electrical components.

Characteristics Values
Maintenance Schedule 17 different types of services over 150,000 miles
Maintenance Interval Every 12,500 miles or every year
Items to Check Brake system, parking brake, exterior lighting, warning lamps, electrical consumers, heater and ventilation controls, soft top, windshield washer system, rear window washer system, seat
Additional Work Check front axle joints, tie rod joints, drag link joints, rubber boots, high-voltage battery
Replacement Parts Brake pads, brake fluid, activated charcoal dust filter, desiccant cartridge, coolant, 12-volt battery
Maintenance Costs Low due to no oil changes, minimal parts requiring maintenance
Authorized Service Centers Daimler recommends authorized smart centers for repairs and maintenance

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Annual battery checks

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is a battery-electric vehicle with a high-voltage battery system. While the electric motor and high-voltage system do not typically require much maintenance, it is important to perform annual battery checks to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive owners should perform annual battery checks as part of their vehicle's maintenance routine. This involves taking the vehicle to a qualified specialist, such as an authorized electric drive smart center, to have the high-voltage battery system professionally inspected and serviced.

The high-voltage battery is located under the vehicle and should only be serviced by trained professionals when the vehicle is stationary to avoid any potential damage to the system. The maintenance schedule for the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive recommends checking the high-voltage battery using a STAR DIAGNOSIS tester.

In addition to the annual battery check, it is recommended to replace the brake fluid every two years and perform brake flushes every two to three years. The cabin air filter should also be changed periodically, typically every two years.

Battery Cooling System

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is equipped with a battery cooling system, which is an important aspect of its maintenance. While the specifics of this system's maintenance are not publicly available, it is safe to assume that it requires periodic checks and servicing to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating.

Battery Replacement

The high-voltage battery in the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is covered by a limited warranty. The warranty for the power units covers electrical components for up to eight years or 62,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is important to note that the battery replacement cost is not covered by the standard warranty, and an extended warranty may be purchased separately for additional coverage.

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Tyre rotations

To determine if your Smart Fortwo Electric vehicle has directional or non-directional tyres, look for an arrow on the sidewall of the tyre. Directional tyres are designed to rotate in only one direction and must be rotated according to the indicated direction. Non-directional tyres, on the other hand, do not have this arrow and can be rotated by simply changing the position of the wheels.

It is important to note that tyre rotations should be performed by a qualified specialist or at an authorised electric drive smart centre. This is because the high-voltage battery of the drive system is located under the vehicle, and only specially trained service engineers are qualified to work on this system.

By following the recommended tyre rotation schedule and seeking professional assistance, you can help ensure the optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your Smart Fortwo Electric vehicle's tyres.

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Brake fluid flushes

When replacing brake fluid, it is crucial to use the correct type of fluid for your vehicle. The recommended brake fluid for the Smart Fortwo is typically DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. DOT 4 brake fluid, such as Pentosin Super DOT 4 or Prestone® MAX DOT 4, offers excellent resistance to water absorption and provides superior corrosion resistance. DOT 5.1 brake fluid is also suitable, but it is important to note that DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are not interchangeable with DOT 5, as they have different base compositions and are not compatible with the same rubber components in the brake system.

It is also important to store brake fluid properly to prevent moisture absorption. Brake fluid should be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and handled with care as it is an aggressive chemical. The recommended drain interval for brake fluid is 12 to 24 months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

When performing brake fluid flushes and replacements, it is always recommended to consult a qualified specialist or refer to the official maintenance booklet for your Smart Fortwo Electric vehicle. Following the maintenance schedule and using the correct fluids will help ensure the optimal performance and safety of your vehicle's brake system.

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Cabin filter changes

The cabin air filter in a smart Fortwo Electric vehicle is simple to change yourself. This should be done every two years, as per the maintenance booklet.

To begin, locate the cabin air filter in your smart Fortwo Electric vehicle. It is usually located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. Once you have located the filter, follow these steps:

  • Remove the old cabin air filter: Open the glove compartment or access the area under the dashboard where the filter is located. Carefully remove the old filter by pulling it out of its housing.
  • Inspect the old filter: Before disposing of the old filter, take a moment to inspect it. This will give you an idea of how much dirt and debris it has collected and help you determine if you need to change your filter more or less frequently.
  • Prepare the new cabin air filter: Take the new cabin air filter and ensure it is the correct size and type for your vehicle. It should be clean and free of any damage.
  • Install the new cabin air filter: Insert the new filter into the housing, ensuring it is securely in place and aligned correctly. Refer to your vehicle's maintenance booklet or an online tutorial for the specific steps required for your smart Fortwo model.
  • Reassemble the glove compartment or dashboard: Put back any components you removed to access the filter, ensuring everything is securely in place.

It is important to note that you should only use genuine smart parts for service and repairs to ensure they meet the vehicle's specifications. Regularly maintaining your cabin air filter will help ensure optimal air quality and comfort inside your smart Fortwo Electric vehicle.

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High-voltage battery checks

The high-voltage battery of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive system is located under the vehicle. The high-voltage system must only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary, and only by specially trained service engineers to avoid damaging the system.

The high-voltage battery should be checked annually using a STAR DIAGNOSIS tester. The battery is covered by a High Voltage Battery Limited Warranty that covers electrical components for eight years or 62,000 miles, whichever comes first.

In addition to the high-voltage battery, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive also has a 12-volt on-board electrical system battery that will need to be replaced during service.

Some owners have reported being able to check the status of their main battery using a self-made device. However, it is recommended that maintenance work on the high-voltage system be performed by a qualified specialist.

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