Tesla winter driving tips

Here are our top tips for driving and managing your Tesla in winter.

There are steps we can take to improve our driving experience during winter months, regardless of how our car is fuelled.

However, it's well known that electric cars are particularly susceptible to extreme weather conditions. This is because battery range is put under extra strain through the extra use of lights and heating systems during this time. 

But it's also because the lithium-ion batteries that power electric cars are temperature sensitive.

Everyone has a preferred temperature to be at, and EV batteries are no different. Peak performance of EV batteries is 15 - 26 degrees Celsius. When natural temperatures are outside of this, both charge time and range can be impacted.

Modern EVs are equipped with temperature control technology, but this does take quite a bit of energy to power.

Tesla are one of the UK's leading EV brands. Their pioneering model, the Tesla Model Y, was the world's best-selling electric vehicle of all time in Q1 2023. It's only right, then, that Tesla has released comprehensive guidance to owners on how best to look after electric cars during cold weather. 

Although specific to current Tesla models, these tips will still be handy if you drive another brand of EV.

Tesla cold weather tips

The extra demands on electric cars during winter months mean we should expect to see quite a bit more energy consumption. 

To maximise the range of an electric car during cold weather, Tesla advise taking these extra steps:

Warm up the car before departure

Make sure your car is plugged in before this step. But, you can conserve the energy of your Tesla by ensuring it's warmed up before you depart. 

• Scheduled departure - get your car is warm and ready for your journey: Tap 'Charging' > 'Scheduled Departure' > 'Schedule' > 'Depart At'
• Preconditioning - preheat and defrost your car through the Tesla app: Open the Tesla app and tap 'Climate' > 'Turn On'

What does the snowflake on Tesla mean?

As pretty as this icon is, a blue snowflake alert on the dashboard isn’t the best news you’ll hear that day. In fact, it’s displayed next to your displayed range to let you know that your battery is cold.

When present, it means that some of your energy store will stay inaccessible until your battery temperature increases.

As well as reduced energy accessibility, battery power, acceleration, and regenerative braking may also become limited while the snowflake alert is displayed. 

To avoid this icon popping up willy-nilly, warm up your EV before departure. And it'll make getting into the car much more enjoyable.

The battery will warm most effectively when charging, driving or preconditioning. The Tesla snowflake alert will disappear when your battery reaches sufficient temperature. 

Use built-in navigation

On longer journeys in the cold, you should use your in-vehicle navigation system. Although you may be thinking this will take more energy, your Tesla is pretty clever.

How?

It’ll automatically pre-heat its battery before arriving at a Supercharger station to reduce charging time. 

Something your phone maps app won’t be able to do, sadly.

Improve range efficiency

Conserve energy using these methods while driving throughout the year, but particularly when using your Tesla in cold conditions.

• Moderate your speed
• Reduce sudden acceleration
• Lower your cabin temperature once your preferred temperature is reached and use seat heaters to maintain warmth—or the old fashioned method of putting on extra layers, but it’s up to you.
• Ensure correct tyre pressure

Moderate use of the Tesla app

Checking on your car via the Tesla app uses energy. This is because your car rouses itself from sleep mode to communicate vital updates.

When energy conservation is your priority, moderating your use of the app will preserve your energy supply.

Slight contradiction—an app we would recommend (and Tesla does also) is the use of the Energy app, which has been through an update.

The updated Energy app

The Energy app has had an update in recent times. Certain models, released before 2020, won’t be able to support this, but all newer models that have the software version 2022.36 or later will do so.

With a reduced energy utilisation while driving in colder conditions, the Energy app shows in real-time, energy usage while driving and stationary. 

It lets you know where you’re losing and gaining range based on several factors. It then provides tips on how best to improve your energy consumption in your current condition.

Stay plugged in

Keeping your electric car plugged in when it isn't used will ensure you have optimum energy levels at all times. This is especially so when it is cold as energy is in higher demand.

Charging also helps your battery stay at optimum temperature, so your vehicle will be ready to go when you are.

Tesla snow and ice tips

These tips will help you and your Tesla tackle icy conditions together.

Reposition your wipers and mirrors

Protect your wipers and mirrors from snow or ice. This is crucial in any vehicle, but Tesla, of course, have made it that one bit easier for its users to sort this issue.

• To put wipers in service position:
• Tap 'Controls' > 'Service' > 'Wiper Service Mode' > 'On'
• To deactivate mirror auto fold:
  In all new Teslas, select ‘Controls’ > ‘Mirrors’ > ‘Mirror Auto Fold.’

Defrost your vehicle

Clear your car of snow and ice using vehicle controls, you won’t be running for your can of de-icer as quickly as you think.

• To activate defrosting: Tap 'Climate' > ‘Defrost car’
• To tackle frozen windows: Melt ice with the Defrost feature in your Tesla app
• Frozen charge port: Use either the Defrost feature or activate preconditioning (on HI)

Clear important surfaces

For safety and efficiency, ensure these elements are clean and clear before you set off. You may have to give your Tesla a helping hand with some of these.

We know these steps might seem obvious, but they are always worth remembering. 

• Frozen door handles:

Bump the handle with the end of your fist until the ice is broken - we'd recommend wearing a glove otherwise this could hurt.

It's also now possible to unlatch the driver door on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y using the Tesla App. So, if your handles are frozen shut, touch and hold one of the quick controls that show below your car on your home screen which will open the 'Customise Controls' view.

Then drag and drop 'Unlatch Door' to one of your quick control spots.

You'll now be able to unlatch the door with a single tap.

• Frozen mirrors:

Manually open and close your mirrors to restore automatic mirror fold.

• Autopilot Sensors and Cameras:

Carefully wipe all sensors and cameras to ensure optimum performance.

• Exterior Lights:

Changes in atmospheric conditions can cause condensation within exterior light lenses. This is normal and will clear naturally in time.

Tyres and Accessories

Winter Tyres

Tesla have more than one type of tyre for their cars, in fact they have ones specifically for winter. But don’t worry, these tyre changes won’t be as frequent as an F1 car. 

But changing your tyres with the seasons will help.

By putting on your winter tyres, it will enhance performance, safety and control on snowy roads. You can also consider purchasing tyre chains, if local regulations allow their use.

Washer Fluid

Ensure your washer fluid is refilled and refreshed for colder temperatures.

This is to maximise efficiency as the de-icing agents in washer fluid can evaporate over time.

Tyre Chains

Tyre chains provide an additional traction when driving in snow or icy conditions. 

However, there are certain restrictions placed on when and how you can use tyre chains in the UK. It'll be detailed in your vehicle's handbook - see the ‘Using Tire Chains’ section on whether your car can have snow chains fitted or not. 

You'd also need to make sure that the route you're going to be driving is completely covered in snow. You could damage the roads if snow chains aren't actually required, which could get you in trouble. 

We know driving in the winter can seem pretty daunting, especially in your prized possession – your Tesla.

That’s why we’re here to help, giving you hints and tips to give you greater sound of mind in the winter months.