When it comes to maintenance, electric vehicle drivers may have less to worry about (goodbye, oil changes). But routine and seasonal service are important for every car.
Something as simple as upgrading your tires can go a long way toward improving your EV’s performance in the colder months.
Like traditional gas-powered vehicles, EVs benefit from winter tires, which offer improved traction and safety in snowy, slushy and icy conditions.
Winter Tires for Electric Vehicles
“EVs need winter or all-weather tires for the best cold weather performance,” said John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor. “Some owners think that due to the heavy weight of an EV that would not be necessary, but the opposite is true. EVs by nature have instant torque, which is power to the wheels, and it is critical that you have tires that provide the proper traction.”
According to NAPA Auto Parts, EV regenerative braking systems also cause the tires to press on the pavement more, so they tend to wear out faster than those on gas-powered cars.
EV winter tires may slightly reduce the car’s range and increase road resistance, but they provide valuable traction assistance.
Shopping for EV Winter Tires
When swapping tires, you can technically use any tire that fits your car, but NAPA suggests following the manufacturer’s recommended tire specifications for the best driving range and handling.
The best winter tires for electric vehicles have solid traction, low noise, rolling resistance and good wear patterns, according to How-to Geek. Drivers also should look for winter tires for electric vehicles with “good sculpture,” which refers to the tire’s shape, as well as its tread blocks and patterns. Some tires include sipes, little cutouts in the rubber that add grip and surface tension.
If you are concerned about reduced battery range in winter, preheating your EV’s cabin before disconnecting from the charging station can help.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
