Whether we like it or not, winter is on the way. The earlier we prepare ourselves and our electric vehicles for the colder months, the better. We don’t think that you should put off electric car rental in Durham, just because there’s a bit of snow on the ground. Here are five top tips for you to consider before the cold weather sets in, to maximise your safety on the roads.
Plan extra charging time
In the colder months, your electric car will take longer to charge on both overnight and rapid chargers. When temperatures are lower, overnight charges can take between two and three extra hours. Similarly, charging on the go will also take a bit longer.
Make sure you factor this into your journey time and don’t let your battery get too low before setting off. Of course, you can ensure you preserve your battery life by driving conservatively and using eco-mode.
Charging an electric car in snow and rain
You may be wondering whether or not it is safe to charge your electric car when it’s raining or snowing. Most charging points come complete with a small shelter, which will shield your vehicle from the water. On top of that, every piece of equipment that comes with an electric vehicle is waterproofed and rigorously tested.
Snow and Ice
Driving in snow and ice always comes with additional risk. We’re sure you’ll already know to drive slower than usual, but there are a couple of extra factors to consider when driving an electric vehicle. Firstly, in most electric vehicles the battery is located on the underside, giving them a low centre of gravity. This often makes it easier for them to crawl through the snow, as they have better traction. Additionally, some electric vehicles come with additional features to help winter driving, such as stability control and anti-lock braking.
When driving on ice, it’s important to note that most electric vehicles are heavier than a standard petrol or diesel vehicle. This means it can be harder to regain control if you start to slide when driving under icy conditions. Sometimes, having winter tyres installed is beneficial to help improve grip.
Check your tyres
You should be checking your tyre pressure and tread depth all year round, but it is especially important to do so in the winter. This is to help maintain good traction and handling, especially on slippery surfaces.
Keeping a good tread depth on your tyre’s is also good for traction, as deeper treds can take in more snow and grit. Snow is actually really useful for gripping onto snow, so having deep treads in place is a huge advantage in winter weather.
Use driving modes
As we’ve previously mentioned in this blog, it can take longer to charge your electric vehicle during the winter and more battery stands to be used per journey. With this in mind, it is advisable to put your electric vehicle into “Eco Mode” over winter. This will reduce some of the functions in your vehicle, allowing for better battery efficiency. A secondary benefit of this is a reduced chance of the wheels spinning during acceleration. This improves your safety during the winter, especially when there’s snow and ice on the roads.
We hope you continue to enjoy your electric vehicle throughout the winter in a safe and efficient manner.
