Tesla winter driving tips: how to optimize performance in cold weather

Tesla outlined key tips for optimizing your electric vehicles in winter, highlighting features designed to improve handling in cold conditions. The company sent out an email this morning saying, “Take care in the rain, sleet and snow.”

All Tesla models are equipped with systems such as dynamic traction control, equal weight distribution and advanced thermal characteristics for better handling on snow and ice.

In colder temperatures, Tesla advises keeping vehicles plugged in to pre-prepare the interior and battery with external power, reducing energy consumption from the battery itself. Features like scheduled departure and preheating with the Tesla app ensure your car is ready with a full charge and a warm interior when you start driving. This is the best feature to make sure you never enter a cold car.

There are drivers encouraged use the updated Energy app, which monitors real-time and predictive power usage, and keep the battery above 20% to prevent loss of range due to extreme cold. A blue snowflake icon will alert users when the battery is too cold for full performance.

Tesla also recommends preparing for ice by putting the wipers into service mode, defrosting frozen handles or mirrors, and cleaning the Autopilot sensors for optimal performance. Winter tires and accessories such as snow chains and low-temperature washer fluid can further improve performance and safety.

While places like California, where Tesla’s Fremont plant is located, don’t have to deal with winter weather anywhere else outside of that area, especially Canada. These tips will make sure your winter driving is safe and optimized.