(BPT) - If you drive during the winter, especially in climates where the temperature reaches below freezing, it's important to know how to take care of your car so you can drive comfortably and safely.
Understanding how to maximize range and performance in cold conditions will ensure you drive with confidence - whether commuting to work or heading out for a winter weekend adventure. Check out these five expert tips from Ford to best prepare your electric vehicle for even the coldest conditions. More detailed tips can be found here.
1. Park your electric vehicle in a garage when possible
Protect your car from the harsh weather conditions outside by parking your electric vehicle in a garage. Maintaining a warm storage temperature will aid in vehicle and battery performance.
2. Remove all snow from the vehicle before driving
Removing all snow from your electric vehicle isn't just important for visibility while driving; it also reduces weight and air resistance.
If your car has driver assistance technology, clearing snow off your electric vehicle is a must. The sensors and cameras must be free of snow to function properly.
3. Plug in your electric vehicle when parked for extended periods
Leaving your electric vehicle parked for a while? Whether you're away on a trip or just parking your car at home overnight, it's important to plug in your electric vehicle.
When the vehicle is plugged in during extended periods, the battery temperature is kept above freezing. Whether or not the vehicle is actively charging, plugging it in works to maintain battery health, optimize battery performance and prevent range loss.
If you purchase a Ford vehicle like the 2025 Mustang Mach-E, make sure to take advantage of the Ford Power Promise to set up your garage charging station. The program provides retail customers ordering any new Ford electric vehicle - including the Mustang Mach-E - with a complimentary home charger, standard installation and 24/7 access to a dedicated electric vehicle support adviser.
4. Set a departure time and precondition your vehicle
If you have a regular driving schedule, like a daily commute, aim to depart around the same time every day and precondition your car before driving.
Preconditioning your electric vehicle allows your battery to perform at its best by adjusting the battery temperature to an ideal state before you start driving or charging. This not only increases charging efficiency but also helps to ensure consistent vehicle performance.
If you have a Ford electric vehicle like the Mustang Mach-E or the F-150 Lightning, you can use the handy Departure Times feature on your FordPass app to precondition the battery and cabin at a set time every day. With zero tailpipe emissions, you can safely warm up the vehicle's cabin while parked in the garage, so you can get into a warm cabin and set off to work in comfort.
5. Reduce energy consumption
If you're on a weekend trip to the cabin or on a day trip to the lake or slopes, you may be worried about your car's energy consumption. But fear not! You can reduce the energy used by your car's HVAC with a few simple tricks. For instance, if your electric vehicle features heated seats and a heated steering wheel, use them as your primary source of heat while lowering the cabin temperature setting.
Travel cold, icy terrain with confidence
By following these five winter driving tips, you can ensure your electric vehicle can tackle any cold weather challenge. To learn more about Ford electric vehicles like the electric Mustang Mach-E, visit here.