13:22 01-11-2025

Winter prep for EVs and gasoline cars: brakes, tires, lights, range & charging

Expert Dmitry Novikov shares winter car prep tips: brakes, lights, -20°C washer, snowflake tires. For EVs: manage 30% range drop, preheat, charge overnight.

Automotive expert Dmitry Novikov shared practical advice on getting a car—electric or gasoline—ready for the cold season. He notes that fall and winter bring extra strain from snow, moisture, and low temperatures.

He recommends prioritizing brakes, lighting, and tires. At the first signs of wear, brake pads should be replaced, and both lights and wiper blades checked for proper operation. The washer reservoir needs a fluid rated to −20°C. For surer grip, fit winter or all‑season tires marked with the snowflake symbol and keep an eye on pressure. Simple steps, yet they often determine whether the morning drive is uneventful once the weather turns.

Electric cars require special attention: in winter, driving range can shrink by up to 30%, and charging takes longer. To limit the drop, specialists advise plugging in overnight, preheating the cabin in advance, and using Eco mode to reduce energy use. Storing the car in a garage and clearing snow from the charge port help preserve battery health—small habits that pay off over a long season.

Novikov underscores that preparing for winter is essential to safe motoring for both EVs and gasoline models, especially when deep cold and icy roads turn routine trips into a test of attention and planning.