FOR THE WINTER MONTHS
Make sure your tyres are up to pressure Research seen by the Green Car Guide states that electric vehicles can lose between 3% and 7% of their battery range, simply by having tyres that are too low. Extra rolling resistance on the road causes the motors to work harder, meaning you use up more electricity from your battery. Be sure the tyre pressures are up to manufacturer requirements.
Reduce the use of in-car heaters Turning off electricity-powered heating devices such as seat heaters or the warmed steering wheel also helps to boost range on a long trip. If you’re plugging in at home every night and don’t make long journeys, the battery difference to your EV will be negligible. However, if you have a long trip scheduled, be mindful of how much power you use to heat the cabin. Bear in mind though, using the seat heater is a lot more energy-efficient than warming the whole cabin!
Know all the public fast charger locations The joy of having a car is the flexibility it offers you, to take short or long trips at the drop of a hat. However, if you are undertaking a lengthy drive in your EV, scan ahead on your route to see the fast charger locations. Cold EV batteries take longer to charge than warm batteries, so stopping at a faster 240V charger means you far less time waiting for the battery to be brimmed.
SAFE WINTER DRIVING TECHNIQUES
• Stick to main roads as much as possible. The chances of them being gritted are significantly
higher. Even if they haven’t been gritted, the volume of traffic on a main road will help in keeping the driving surface clear.
• Share journeys with friends and family, via tracking features seen on apps ranging from WhatsApp to
Waze. That way, they know where you are at all times and can assist if you get into difficulty!
• Schedule ten extra minutes into your journey time, for before you leave. This way, you can de-ice the
windscreen, check all the lights are working and de- mist the interior too!
• As the roads can get mucky, be sure to wipe your registration plates clean. Police take a dim view of
concealed plates and may issue you a fine if the plate does not comply with the law.
PHTM DECEMBER 2022
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
• Primarily, seek medical attention if required. Ambulance callouts in the UK peaked in January
2022, with a call coming to 999 nationally every 33 seconds. Utilise the first aid kit in the back of your car, and address yourself if possible, or get a passenger to assist. If your injuries require further care, call for the emergency services. Seeking medical attention also helps to add significant evidence to your potential insurance claim.
• If possible, take pictures at the scene of the incident. Take down your version of events, date and times,
and potentially details of whomever is involved. Be sure to save your dashcam footage if you have one fitted to your vehicle.
• Finally, get in touch with your insurance company! Lodge a claim at your earliest convenience, and
they’ll help you to get back on the road.
Sasha Quail, Business Development Manager at
claims.co.uk, had this to say about automotive safety tips: “Driving in the winter can cause stress and concern at the wheel. Visibility can be poor, your car may interact differently with the road surface, and you may well feel less assured about your driving ability. “These tips are the perfect way to prepare your car for winter, and can get you out on the road with renewed confidence. “Remember the basics: check your tyre tread, fully clean your windscreen, plan your journey, and drive only as fast as you feel safe to do so.”
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