Essential Winter Driving Tips for Tesla Drivers

Winter driving can be challenging for any vehicle, but Teslas come with unique features and considerations that improve winder driving performance. Whether you’re renting a Tesla or already own one, mastering winter driving techniques will keep you safe and maximize your car’s performance during cold months. This guide covers practical advice and highlights Tesla’s technology to help you navigate winter roads confidently.

Key Winter Driving Tips Tesla Owners Should Know

Driving a Tesla in winter requires some adjustments to your usual routine. Here are essential tips to prepare your vehicle and yourself for cold weather conditions:

• Precondition Your Tesla: Use the Tesla app to warm up the cabin and battery before you hit the road. This not only makes your drive comfortable but also improves battery efficiency and avoid slower charging due to a cold battery.

• Plug in your Tesla: When your vehicle is plugged in, preconditioning the battery for faster charging in cold temperatures will use the external power source rather than the vehicle's battery. This will give you more available energy for driving once you unplug.

• Check Tire Condition: Winter tires or all-season tires with good tread depth are crucial. Any vehicle's performance can be compromised on icy or snowy roads without proper tires.

• Manage Climate Controls: Set the climate control to "Auto" - this will automatically adjsut cabin heating and air distribution to maintain the temperature you set. For maximum efficiency, use the seat heaters! It will keep you warm and use less energy than the cabin heater.

• Use the Energy App and Monitor Range Closely: Cold weather reduces battery range. The Energy app on the Tesla touchscreen shows you a graph with your vehicle's real time and projected energy usage, as well as range tips to help you improve your energy consumption.

• Use Trip Planner: The touchscreen navigation uses real-time data to provide directions, including routing to Supercharger locations. It will also show you how much energy your battery will have once your reach the Supercharger, and recommend how long your charging session should be. It will also preheat the battery as you approach the Supercharger, for maximum efficiency.

Tips for Snow and Ice Conditions

• Use the Defrost feature: You can defrost your front windshield from the touchscreen, but you can also defrost your vehicle from the Tesla app! Tap on "Climate" then tap on "Defrost Car".

• Reduce Ice Buildup on the Windshield Wipers: Some Tesla models offer a "Wiper Defroster" feature - access the Climate controls on the touchscreen and tap the wiper defrost icon to turn it on or off.

  If your Tesla does not have the Wiper Defroster feature, place your wipers in the "Service" position. This will raise the wipers against the windshield, so that they can defrost whenever you are defrosting the windshield itself. On the touchscreen, tap "Service" then "Wiper Service Mode"

  
  

• Turn off Mirrors Auto Fold. On the touchscreen, tap "Mirrors", then tap Mirror Auto Fold to turn them off or on.

• What if the door handle is frozen?

  Model 3 and Model Y:

  From the Tesla App: touch and hold one of the quick controls that displays below your vehicle to open the ‘Customize Controls’ view. Select ‘Unlatch Door’ and drag and drop the control into one of your quick control spots. Return to the app home screen and tap ‘Unlatch Door’ to pop open the driver door.

Model X, Model S and Cybertruck:

From the Tesla app home screen tap ‘Controls', then Tap the arrow next to the respective door to open it.

• What if the charge port is frozen?

  Turn on the charge port heater from your vehicle touchscreen:

  1. Tap ‘Controls.’

  2. Tap ‘Service’ > ‘Charge Port Heater.’

  3. For additional heating or for vehicles with no charge port heater present, activate Defrost from the Tesla app to aid with charge port thawing.

  Note: A frozen charge port will allow AC charging at lower rates with a blinking amber indicator.

These tips will help you get the most out of your Tesla during winter and reduce the risk of accidents or breakdowns.

Tesla Model 3 ready for winter driving

How Tesla’s Technology Enhances Winter Driving

Tesla vehicles come equipped with advanced technology that can be a game-changer in winter conditions. Understanding these features will boost your confidence behind the wheel:

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Many Tesla models offer AWD, which improves traction on snow and ice by distributing power to all four wheels.

• Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD): While these features are incredibly helpful, they require cautious use in winter. Tesla advises drivers to stay alert and ready to take control, especially on slippery roads.

• Battery Thermal Management: Tesla’s battery heating system helps maintain optimal battery temperature, improving performance and charging speed in cold weather.

• Smart Summon and Cabin Overheat Protection: Use Smart Summon to move your Tesla out of tight snowy spots without getting out. Cabin Overheat Protection keeps the interior temperature stable, preventing freezing conditions inside.

  
  

Leveraging these technologies can make winter driving less stressful and more enjoyable.

Are Teslas Good for Winter Driving?

Many drivers wonder if Teslas are suitable for winter conditions. The answer is yes! Tesla's weight distribution, highly responsive motor control and dynamic traction control enhance the performance in winter conditions. However there are some things to consider:

• Instant Torque and Smooth Power Delivery: Electric motors provide immediate torque, which can be both an advantage and a challenge on slippery surfaces. Smooth acceleration is key.

• Range Reduction: Expect a 20-40% decrease in range during cold weather. This is normal and should be factored into your travel plans.

• Charging in Cold Weather: Charging times may increase when the battery is cold. Preconditioning the battery before charging helps reduce wait times.

  
  

With proper preparation and driving habits, Teslas perform well in winter and are a reliable choice for cold climates.

Tesla tire gripping snowy road surface

Practical Tips for Safe Winter Driving in a Tesla

Beyond technology, your driving behavior plays a crucial role in winter safety. Here are actionable recommendations:

1. Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Smooth inputs help maintain traction.

2. Increase Following Distance: Give yourself more space to stop, as icy roads increase braking distances.

3. Keep Your Tesla Charged: Charge frequently to avoid running low on battery in cold weather.

   
   

By following these tips, you’ll enhance your safety and enjoy the unique driving experience Tesla offers, no matter how cold it gets outside.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and make the most of your Tesla this winter season!