An incorrect ceiling when changing a wheel on an electric car can have major financial consequences. The battery pack in particular is at risk.
A single mistake can lead to a workshop bill of several hundred thousand kroner.
In a Norwegian case, battery damage after incorrect use of ceiling equipment cost the owner 380,000 Danish kroner.
Many car owners choose to switch between summer and winter tires themselves. This can save some money in the short term. But for electric car owners, ignorance of proper inflation techniques can be very costly.
The challenge often lies in the location of the car's jacking points. On many electric cars, they are located close to the large and sensitive battery. It requires precision to position the jack correctly.
The insurance company Gjensidige in Norway reports several cases. Customers discover marks and damage on the battery box near the lifting points after changing wheels. This shows that the problem is real.
The most expensive case involved replacing an entire battery. The price reached 570,000 Swedish kronor, which is equivalent to approximately 380,000 Danish kronor. This underlines the seriousness of incorrect handling.
Risk of fire hazard and expensive damage due to incorrect ceiling
Arne Voll is the communications manager at Gjensidige. He warns against the consequences of improper use of ceiling equipment.
"If you are unlucky and use ceiling equipment incorrectly, the bill can be astronomically high," he says in a comment to Norwegian TV2.
He points out the short distance between the lifting point and the battery on certain car brands. This requires extra attention from everyone who changes tires. This applies to both private car owners and professional workshops.
Another serious risk is fire. If the battery is damaged under the ceiling, the battery cells can start to leak. This can lead to a fire in the car.
Dennis Alexis is operations manager at Scandinavian Tire & Rim Organisation. He explains the danger.
– If a battery is damaged and a leak occurs in the cells, there is a high risk of fire.
The fire does not necessarily start immediately. It can occur several days after the damage has occurred. A battery fire is also very difficult to extinguish.
Good advice for safe wheel changes on electric cars
Damage to the battery is not always immediately noticeable. This makes the situation even more risky. Therefore, correct lifting technique is crucial for safety.
Electric cars have special requirements. Some models, like Tesla, require special roof pucks to avoid damage.
Other electric cars must be roofed on both sides at the same time.
Experts generally advise private individuals not to change wheels on electric cars themselves. Dennis Alexis points out that electric cars have a higher weight and different chassis design. It requires special knowledge and equipment.
– With the explosion of electric cars and hybrids, cars have become heavier, says Dennis Alexis.
He calls for more training and authorization of workshops that handle tire changes on electric cars.
If you still want to change the wheel yourself, you need to prepare thoroughly. Read your car's owner's manual carefully to find the correct jacking points. Always use a CE-certified jack that can support the weight of the car plus a safety margin.
Make sure to use any required lifting pucks correctly. Always tighten the wheel bolts with a torque wrench according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that the wheels are seated properly.
At Boosted.dk you can find more articles about car maintenance. Also the part that very few people talk about. Because the electric car is not as free to drive around in as many people think. Read more about it here .
