Preparing Your Car for Winter: Essential Steps for Safe Driving (Including EVs and Hybrids)

As winter approaches in Shropshire and mid-Wales, it's important to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of cold weather and icy roads.

While snowfall can be unpredictable—sometimes occurring heavily in higher elevations and often absent in lower areas—drivers should still be prepared for various winter conditions.

Additionally, many electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid drivers may be navigating winter driving for the first time, making it essential to understand how cold weather can impact battery performance and handling.

Here are some straightforward steps to help you prepare your car for safe winter driving. 

Vehicle Maintenance 

1. Tyre Check 

• Tread Depth: Make sure your tyres have enough tread (at least 1.6mm) to provide traction on slippery surfaces. A simple test is to use a 20 pence coin; if the outer rim is visible, it’s time for new tyres.
• Winter Tyres: If you often drive in harsh winter conditions, consider switching to winter tyres, which offer better grip in cold and snowy weather.
• Buying a tyre gauge?  Check out the best tyre pressure gauges 2024

2. Fluid Levels

• Antifreeze: Verify that your coolant levels are sufficient to prevent freezing.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a winter-specific fluid that includes a de-icer to keep your windshield clear.
• Need Antifreeze? Find it at your Nearest JT Hughes dealership.

3. Wipers and Lights

• Replace any worn-out wiper blades and ensure all lights, including headlights and brake lights, are working properly and free from snow or ice.
• Need New Wiper Blades? Visit your nearest JT Hughes dealership.

4. Battery Check

• Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, so make sure your battery is fully charged and functioning well.
• Need a Car Battery? Visit your nearest JT Hughes dealership.

5. Emergency Supplies

• Prepare an emergency kit that includes:
• A snow shovel and ice scraper
• Jump cables
• Blankets, non-perishable food, and water
• Flares or warning triangles for visibility.
• Need an Emergency Tool Kit? Check out Auto Express's review of the best emergency tool kits

Driving Safely in Winter

1. Adjust Your Speed

• Reduce your speed when driving in winter conditions; stopping distances can increase significantly on icy roads, sometimes requiring ten times the usual distance.

2. Maintain Distance

• Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow for longer stopping times on slick surfaces.

3. Smooth Driving Techniques

• Avoid abrupt braking or sharp turns; accelerate gradually to prevent skidding. If you do start to skid, steer into the direction of the skid while gently easing off the accelerator.

4. Ensure Visibility

• Clear all windows, mirrors, and lights of snow and ice before setting off. In low visibility conditions like fog or heavy snow, use dipped headlights.

5. Plan Your Route

• Opt for main roads that are more likely to be cleared and treated for snow and ice. Allow extra time for travel to accommodate slower driving conditions.

What to Do if You Get Stranded

If you find yourself stuck:

• Stay inside your vehicle; it offers protection from the elements. 
• Keep the interior light on and use bright markers to make your car visible.
• Run the engine occasionally for warmth but ensure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Winter Preparation for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids

1. Battery Care

1. Understanding Range: Cold weather can reduce the range of EVs and hybrids. It's important to understand that battery performance may decline in freezing temperatures, so plan your trips accordingly.
2. Preconditioning: Many EVs allow you to precondition the battery and cabin while still plugged in, which helps maintain range and comfort. Use this feature before setting off.

2. Tyre Selection

• Winter Tyres: Just like traditional vehicles, EVs and hybrids benefit from winter tyres. Ensure that the tyres are suitable for the weight of your vehicle, as EVs can be heavier due to their batteries.

3. Charging Considerations

• Charging Stations: In winter, ensure that you know where charging stations are located along your route, especially if travelling longer distances.
• Home Charging: If you charge at home, consider using a garage or sheltered area to protect the charging equipment from snow and ice.

4. Cabin Comfort

Heater Usage: Using the cabin heater can drain battery power more quickly. Consider using heated seats or steering wheels if available, as they consume less energy than the cabin heater.

5. Emergency Kit for EVs and Hybrids

• Include additional items in your emergency kit that are specific to EVs:
• Portable charger or power bank
• Emergency charging cables
• A blanket or sleeping bag (in case of extended waits during breakdowns)

By following these steps and utilising the recommended products, you can ensure that your vehicle is well-prepared for safe driving during the winter months.