How to Prepare Your EV or Hybrid Car for Winter
There’s a nip in the air and drivers across East Yorkshire are starting to prepare their vehicles for colder weather. If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid car, a little extra attention to detail can make a big difference in maintaining optimal performance and battery life during the winter months.
At Beverley Motor Works, we understand the importance of keeping your BMW, Mini or any other make of EV ready to handle winter challenges. Here’s a guide to ensure your EV or hybrid is all set for when the frost begins to form.
Plan for battery efficiency in cold weather
Battery performance can drop in low temperatures, affecting both range and efficiency. Batteries in EVs and hybrids tend to use more energy to keep the car at an optimal temperature, reducing range. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:
Precondition your vehicle: Many BMW and Mini models, as well as other makes of EVs, have preconditioning features that warm the battery before you start driving. Use this feature whilst the vehicle is plugged in to avoid draining the battery.
Monitor battery levels: Consider keeping the charge level between 20% and 80%, as both very low and very high battery levels can increase strain on the battery, especially in cold conditions.
Plan your charging times: Cold weather charging can be slower. Schedule your charging sessions during warmer parts of the day or closer to your driving time to maximise battery warmth and efficiency.
Inspect and maintain your tyres
For any vehicle, tyres are crucial in providing traction on wet or icy roads. Winter conditions demand better grip, which can be especially important for EVs and hybrids, which are often heavier than traditional cars.
Switch to winter tyres: Winter tyres are designed with softer rubber and unique tread patterns that provide better grip on icy surfaces. Switching to winter tyres can enhance safety and improve handling during colder months.
Check tyre pressure regularly: Cold weather can lower tyre pressure. Make sure to check the pressure every couple of weeks and after long journeys, and inflate tyres as needed to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Proper inflation helps to improve range and driving safety.
Protect the battery when parking
When possible, park your EV or hybrid in a garage or sheltered area. This simple step can shield the battery from extreme cold, which in turn enhances battery longevity and efficiency.
Park near charging stations: If you park outside and can’t access a garage, consider parking near a charging station. Being plugged in keeps the battery temperature stable, reducing the impact of cold temperatures.
Avoid frequent short trips: Multiple short trips, where the battery cools down between drives, can reduce efficiency. Try to combine short errands into one trip to allow the battery to reach a more stable temperature.
Regular winter servicing and checks
Winter is a great time for a comprehensive check-up. Beverley Motor Works in East Yorkshire has a team of expert technicians that can inspect your EV or hybrid to ensure everything’s in top condition.
Battery health check
Our technicians will assess the health and performance of your battery, ensuring it’s ready to withstand the winter.
Brake system inspection
Electric vehicles rely on regenerative braking, which can behave differently in cold weather. We’ll make sure your brakes are in peak condition.
Software updates
Some BMW and Mini EV models have software updates that can improve winter performance. Ask our team to check for any available updates to optimise your EV’s efficiency.
Book a winter service with Beverley Motor Works
The team at Beverley Motor Works is here to support you with professional services tailored to your BMW, Mini, and other makes of EVs and hybrid cars. Book your winter MOT or service with us today and enjoy peace of mind for the chilly season ahead.
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