As winter approaches, you should know these things if you own an electric car

Written By ندى ماهر عبدربه on 2023/12/19

This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.

Arabia Weather - With the beginning of the winter season and the weather changing to cold, dealing with different types of cars varies, as each type requires special attention to achieve the best performance during this season.

Many car owners are searching for correct methods and reliable scientific advice that will help them deal with their cars during the winter, and in preparing them to deal with rainy weather, and in the recent period, electric cars have become the subject of great interest by users, due to the unique characteristics that they have. But, how can we properly handle electric cars, especially in the winter?

How to properly handle electric cars, especially in the winter?

Electric car manufacturers have developed innovative solutions to respond to the challenges and potential problems that electric vehicles may face as a result of weather fluctuations and terrain differences, but is the distance traveled by electric cars affected during the winter?
Engineer Tariq Awad, an electric vehicle engineer, explained that there are several factors that reduce the travel range that electric cars can travel during the winter season by about 30% less than the distance traveled in other seasons of the year.

Engineer Tariq Awad explained the reasons that lead to a decrease in the percentage of distance traveled in this chapter, and among those reasons are:

The impact of tire quality and suitability for electric cars, as it is preferable to use seasonal tires that work efficiently in all weather conditions and are characterized by Low Rolling Resistance, which contributes to saving fuel.
Energy consumption for heating purposes for defogging and cabin heating, as this factor plays a major role in reducing the distance traveled, is affected by the effectiveness of the heating systems and their energy consumption from the cargo reserve.
The high level of friction during rain reduces the torque of the electric motor and increases the energy consumed to propel the car.
Operating the battery's heating systems to balance its temperature in the winter may require some additional effort from the car's electrical system, and contribute to protecting the battery and maintaining its performance.
Difficult weather conditions such as frequent skids and lack of grip on slippery roads.

Important tips for preparing your electric car for the winter

At the beginning of the winter season, you must take some steps to ensure the safety and effective performance of your car during difficult weather conditions. Here are a number of tips that must be followed:

Tire inspection

Inspect tires regularly and replace them if they are worn out or have reached the end of their life. It is preferable to use all-season tires with low rolling resistance.
Maintain air pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Use heating with caution

Try to reduce the use of the heating system, and take advantage of heated car seats.
Direct the heating towards the windshield to get rid of fog.

Brake systems maintenance

Checking the front and rear brake and ABS systems.
Check the oil level and moisture content in the brake system.

Checking wipers and fluids

Check the condition of the wipers and replace them if necessary.
Check and top up wiper fluids regularly.

Rear window heating system

Make sure the rear window heating system is working properly.

Charge the battery well

Charge the car at a convenient time and keep it connected for a long time to maintain the battery temperature.
Check the battery heating system if the car supports this feature.

Charging point protection

Make sure the charging box is completely insulated to avoid water ingress.
The charger plug can be left plugged in during rainy weather safely.

Check wiring and connections

Check all connectors and wires to ensure electrical safety.
Avoid nudity or improper conduct.

Check household voltages

Consult an electrician to verify the safety of the home’s voltage.
Make sure you have emergency equipment in your car, such as a resuscitator, car charger, and screwdrivers.

Follow up on the car's condition

Perform regular maintenance and check the vehicle user manual.
In the event of a malfunction or accident, call for help immediately and move away from the vehicle a safe distance.

Taking these measures will help you avoid potential problems and ensure your car is better prepared for the winter.