Winter Driving Tips for All Vehicle Types: 2025-2026 Guide

Winter driving changes how your vehicle performs. Whether you drive a gas car, hybrid, electric, or hydrogen vehicle, cold weather brings new challenges. This guide covers specific winter tips for each powertrain type, plus universal safety advice every driver needs to know, relevant for vehicles up to 2026.

Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Battery-Only Electric Cars

Electric vehicles rely entirely on battery power. Cold temperatures drain that battery faster than warm weather. Understanding how this works helps you plan better winter trips.

How Cold Affects Your Battery

Your EV’s battery contains chemical reactions that create and release energy. When it gets cold, these reactions slow down significantly. Your battery becomes less efficient at the same time your car needs extra power to heat the cabin. This creates a double problem.

Real-world data from 2024-2025 shows that the average EV keeps about 80 percent of its range at freezing temperatures. Some models perform better, and some perform worse.

On days when it is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, you might see a 20 to 40 percent drop in range. This loss gets even worse if you make many short trips, since the car must reheat everything from scratch each time you start driving.

Preconditioning: Your Most Important Winter Tool

Preconditioning means heating your cabin and battery while the car stays plugged in. You use the charger’s power instead of draining your battery.

Most EVs let you schedule preconditioning through a smartphone app or the vehicle’s touchscreen. Set it to run about 10 minutes before you leave. When you get in your car, the cabin will be warm, and the battery will be at an efficient temperature.

This single step can recover 10 to 20 percent of your lost winter range. It also speeds up charging at public stations later in the day.

Winter EV Checklist:

• Schedule preconditioning every morning during winter
• Leave your car plugged in when parked, if possible
• Set charge limits to 70 to 80 percent if keeping the car plugged in for long periods
• Use seat heaters and steering wheel heaters before running cabin heat
• Set cabin temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you normally prefer
• Engage Eco Mode while driving
• Keep tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level
• Charge to full the night before long winter road trips
• Plan charging stops 20 to 30 minutes longer than summer trips require

Winter Range and Planning

Do not trust the EPA range estimate during winter. Discount it by 20 to 30 percent on typical cold days. On very cold days with lots of short trips, assume you might lose even more range.

Plan your daily driving route assuming your car has only 70 percent of its listed range. Build in an extra 50 percent safety buffer for detours, shopping stops, and unexpected traffic.

For longer trips, plot out charging stations ahead of time. Use route planning apps that factor in temperature and elevation changes.

Some newer EVs have navigation systems that automatically adjust range estimates based on current weather conditions.

Handling Your Heater Smartly

The cabin heater is the biggest drain on your battery. Use it strategically.

First priority: use seat heaters. They warm you directly and consume far less battery power than heating the entire cabin. Steering wheel heaters work the same way.

Second priority: set the cabin temperature moderately. You do not need it at 75 degrees. Try 68 to 70 degrees instead. The heated seat will keep you comfortable.

Avoid using maximum defroster settings for extended periods. Use it to clear the windshield, then lower the setting.

Some newer EVs have heat pumps instead of resistive heaters. Heat pumps work like air conditioners in reverse, pulling heat from outside air and moving it inside.

They are three to four times more efficient than regular heaters. If you are buying an EV and you live in a cold climate, prioritize models with heat pumps.

Fast Charging in Winter

Cold batteries accept charges more slowly. When you pull up to a DC fast charger in freezing weather, expect charging to start slowly.

Many newer EVs have a feature to precondition the battery for fast charging. If you set your navigation to head toward a charger, some cars automatically warm the battery during your drive. By the time you arrive, charging will be faster.

Plan 10 to 20 extra minutes for winter DC fast charging compared to summer. Do not assume charging times will match what you experienced in warm weather.

Turn Off Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking captures energy when you slow down or coast, sending power back to the battery. It works smoothly on dry roads.

On ice and packed snow, regenerative braking can cause the wheels to lose grip. When you lift off the accelerator, the motor suddenly resists, which can make the car behave unpredictably.

If roads are slippery, switch to a lower regenerative braking setting or turn it off entirely. Use your brake pedal instead. Most EVs let you adjust regen through the settings menu or steering wheel controls.

Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs): Two Power Sources, Two Choices

PHEVs have both a battery and a gas engine. In winter, you must decide when to use electric power and when to let the engine run. Making smart choices extends your range and protects your battery.

When to Use Electric Mode

Use electric mode for in-town driving when temperatures are around freezing but not extreme. Short distances work well on battery power, and the car does not need to heat the cabin and battery as much.

Avoid electric mode on very short trips during extreme cold. A 2-mile errand in single-digit temperatures requires the car to heat everything from scratch. The battery loses more energy than it would use on a 15-mile drive. In these cases, letting the gas engine start and run might actually be more efficient.

For highway driving in cold weather, use Hybrid or Auto mode. The engine can share the heating workload and protect the battery from heavy discharge.

Preconditioning Works for PHEVs Too

Many newer PHEVs use HVAC-based battery heating to warm the pack without starting the engine. Schedule preconditioning so your regenerative braking system stays strong and smooth regen works when you need it.

Drive Mode Strategy

Check your owner’s manual for all available drive modes. Most PHEVs have several options.

In moderate cold, use EV mode around town. Hybrid or Auto mode works best during severe cold or highway driving. Some vehicles have a dedicated Winter or Snow mode. Use that if available.

Keep the battery between 20 and 80 percent charged for daily driving. This protects long-term battery health and ensures the vehicle can generate maximum power when you need it.

Public Charging Decisions

PHEVs have smaller batteries than pure EVs. In winter, public DC fast charging might not be worth the stop. The charging will be slow, and the battery does not accept a charge quickly when cold.

Use Level 2 charging at home or work as your primary method. Treat public charging as optional, not necessary. Because you have a gas engine, you can drive anywhere without worrying about charger networks.

Winter PHEV Checklist

• Preheat cabin and battery while plugged in
• Use EV mode for in-town trips in moderate cold
• Switch to Hybrid mode during extreme cold or highway drives
• Maintain gas tank above half full
• Avoid charging in extremely cold weather unless it is convenient
• Check regenerative braking function before winter driving
• Charge overnight to 80 percent, not to full
• Use Eco Mode or Winter mode while driving
• Plan for gas station stops; do not assume you will always have electric range

Conventional Hybrids (HEVs): No Battery to Charge

Regular hybrids have a small battery and a gas engine. They do not plug in. Your focus is different because the battery cannot be charged from the grid.

Hybrids lose fuel economy in cold weather, but the loss is less severe than the range loss an EV experiences. Cold reduces fuel economy by about 10 to 15 percent on moderate cold days, and up to 25 percent on very short trips.

Combine errands into single trips to maintain better fuel economy. In winter, one 15-mile trip is better than three 5-mile trips.

The 12-Volt Battery Matters

Hybrids depend on a small 12-volt battery to run accessories and computers. If this battery fails, the entire hybrid system shuts down.

Cold weather is brutal on 12-volt batteries. Check the battery age before winter. If it is more than three years old, have it tested. A weak 12-volt battery can leave you stranded, even though your hybrid system is perfectly fine.

Avoid EV-Only Driving on Ice

Hybrids operate silently on electric power at slow speeds in parking lots and traffic jams. On slick roads, let the car stay in Normal or Snow mode and do not chase all-electric operation.

The battery and friction brake system blend together unpredictably on low-grip surfaces. Let the vehicle’s stability control and anti-lock brakes manage torque and braking for you.

Engine Warm-Up Matters

Your hybrid still has a gas engine that needs time to warm up. Do not accelerate hard immediately after starting, especially on cold mornings. A gentle first mile lets the engine complete its warm-up cycle.

Hard acceleration when cold increases engine wear and hurts fuel economy.

Winter Hybrid Checklist

• Test the 12-volt battery before winter; replace if over 3 years old
• Maintain gas tank above half full
• Combine short trips into single errands
• Allow engine warm-up time on cold mornings
• Let the car stay in Normal or Snow mode on icy roads
• Check tire pressure before winter; they lose 1 PSI per 10-degree drop
• Verify wipers, defrosters, and lights work properly
• Keep winter wiper fluid in the vehicle at all times
• Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking

Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs): Hydrogen-Powered Cars

Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen gas to create electricity. They are rare, but owners need specific winter advice. The hydrogen network is limited, and cold weather affects station availability.

Plan Around Hydrogen Station Downtime

The hydrogen charging network is sparse, especially outside California. Winter storms and power outages can disable stations for hours or even days.

Check station status using hydrogen network apps before heading out. In major storms, use the same planning you would for winter travel in a remote area. Do not run your tank below a quarter full when bad weather is moving through your region.

Cold-Start System Checks

Fuel cells manage stack warm-up and de-icing automatically. In extreme cold, initial startup might take slightly longer than usual.

Budget a few extra minutes before leaving after the car has been parked overnight in very cold weather. This lets the system complete its startup sequence.

Water Vapor Exhaust in Deep Cold

Fuel cells produce water as a byproduct. In very low temperatures, this water condenses and can freeze near the tailpipe.

Check the exhaust outlet occasionally during winter to make sure ice is not building up. Avoid backing into deep snowbanks that might block the exhaust.

Cabin Heat is Different for FCEVs

Fuel cells produce waste heat as part of their operation. You do not lose range as quickly when using cabin heat, unlike in pure electric vehicles.

You can enjoy comfortable heat without the same penalty other EVs face. However, aggressive HVAC demand still raises hydrogen consumption. Do not assume your fuel economy is unaffected by cranking the heater to maximum all day.

Winter FCEV Checklist

• Check hydrogen station status before winter trips
• Keep fuel tank above 25 percent in winter storms
• Plan conservative fuel stops before major weather systems
• Allow extra startup time in extreme cold
• Clear ice buildup from the exhaust outlet periodically
• Use heated seats before blasting full cabin heat
• Budget extra time for maintenance checks before winter
• Familiarize yourself with all drive mode options
• Verify all lights, wipers, and sensors work properly

Extended-Range EVs (E-REVs): Generator-Assisted Electric Driving

E-REV vehicles use an electric motor powered by a battery, but they have a gas engine that acts as a generator. The engine only charges the battery; it does not directly power the wheels.

Pure Electric in the City, Engine Support on Highways

Use pure electric mode for city driving and short local trips. The generator system works best when the car needs sustained power at constant speeds, like highway driving in cold weather.

At steady highway speed in cold air with heavy HVAC loads, letting the generator run and keep the battery charged might be more efficient than draining the battery completely.

Keep a Battery Buffer Before Remote Trips

In rural areas where charging infrastructure is sparse, maintain a 20 to 30 percent battery reserve before heading into regions with poor cell service or snow.

This buffer ensures the car delivers full electric power for passing and emergency maneuvers even if the generator is running at maximum.

Expect the Engine to Run for Heat

In deep cold, some E-REVs start the generator purely to provide cabin heating or battery conditioning. This is normal and by design.

Assure yourself this is not a malfunction. However, remember that fuel level matters even if you drive mostly electric. Monitor your gas gauge as you would in any gas-powered car.

Winter E-REV Checklist

• Schedule preconditioning every morning during winter
• Use EV mode for in-town driving in moderate cold
• Switch to Hybrid mode on highways and in extreme cold
• Keep fuel tank above half full
• Maintain 20 to 30 percent battery reserve for long trips
• Use seat heaters and steering wheel heaters first
• Keep tire pressure at manufacturer specifications
• Plan charging stops similar to PHEV expectations
• Charge overnight to full before long winter trips

Gas and Diesel Vehicles (ICE): Traditional Engines

Conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles still lose efficiency in cold weather. Winter-specific knowledge helps you drive safer and plan better.

Fuel Economy Drops in Winter

Gas vehicles lose about 15 percent fuel economy at 20 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 77 degrees. Very short trips in extreme cold can lose 24 percent or more.

Plan fuel stops earlier on winter road trips than you would in summer. Do not assume summer fuel economy numbers will apply.

Keep Your Tank Above Half

NHTSA and safety agencies recommend maintaining more fuel in winter for several reasons. If you get stuck in traffic or snow, you might need more fuel than expected to stay warm or reach home.

Running out of gas during a winter emergency can be dangerous. Keeping more fuel means you can idle the engine longer for heat if needed.

Use Your Vehicle’s Winter Features

Modern stability control and traction control systems are your friends in winter. These systems manage power and braking to keep your car stable on slippery surfaces.

Many drivers mistakenly believe turning off stability control helps them power through snow. On modern roads, leaving it on is safer and required on nearly all new light vehicles.

If your vehicle has a Snow or Winter mode, use it. These settings adjust throttle response and braking for slippery conditions.

Diesel-Specific Winter Tips

Light-duty diesel trucks have special winter needs. Wait for the glow plug indicator to extinguish before starting the engine in cold weather. Glow plugs heat the combustion chamber to help cold-start engines.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is required on modern diesel trucks. Check the DEF level before long winter drives. DEF can freeze in extreme cold. Store it where it will not freeze solid and monitor low-DEF warnings.

Diesel fuel itself can gel in extremely cold weather. In northern climates, use winter diesel fuel blends starting in fall.

Winter Gas and Diesel Checklist

• Keep fuel tank above 50 percent during winter
• Top off tank before winter storms arrive
• Use winter-grade wiper fluid with de-icer
• Replace wiper blades before winter
• Have 12-volt battery tested if over 3 years old
• Check tire pressure and maintain manufacturer specifications
• Verify all lights work: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, flashers
• Confirm defrosters work front and rear
• Keep emergency supplies in the vehicle
• Leave glow plugs time to warm up before starting (diesel)
• Check DEF levels regularly (diesel)
• Use Winter or Snow driving mode if available

Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs): Battery and Hydrogen

ZEVs include battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These tips apply to both types.

Understand Lane Access and Parking Rules

Some states and cities give ZEVs special HOV lane access or preferred parking. In winter, check whether these rules still apply during snow storms and chain-control weather.

Some HOV lanes are plowed differently or later than regular lanes. In major snow events, using the HOV lane might not be your best choice.

Invest Winter Tire Savings in Better Tires

Zero-emission vehicle owners often save money on fuel and maintenance. Reinvest those savings into quality winter or all-weather tires.

Tire choice affects stopping distance and control more than powertrain type does. Top-tier winter tires dramatically outperform all-season tires on snow and ice, especially for EVs, which deliver high torque instantly.

Plan for Charging or Hydrogen Access During Strain

During extreme cold snaps, utilities sometimes ask EV drivers to delay fast charging to avoid overloading the grid. Hydrogen stations can face disruptions from power outages.

Pre-charge or refuel the day before major Arctic weather systems arrive. Use lower-peak charging windows during normal cold weather. Many utilities offer special rates for charging between 9 PM and 6 AM.

Winter ZEV Checklist

• Check state DOT guidance for ZEV lane rules in winter weather
• Invest in winter-rated tires
• Pre-charge before major storms
• Check local utility alerts for charging restrictions
• Schedule charging during off-peak hours
• Maintain 70 to 80 percent charge in extreme cold
• Keep emergency supplies including backup charger (for EVs) or extra snacks
• Verify all lights, wipers, and sensors are clear and working
• Plan for 20 to 30 percent longer travel times in winter conditions

Universal Winter Driving Safety: Tips for Every Vehicle

These recommendations apply to all drivers, regardless of what powers your vehicle.

Pre-Winter Vehicle Preparation

Before the first snow falls, prepare your vehicle thoroughly.

Tire Check

Inspect all four tires for tread depth. Replace tires that show uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread depth should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires.

Cold weather is the time to install winter tires if your region gets snow and ice. Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. They feature specialized tread patterns designed for winter grip.

Check tire pressure regularly throughout winter. Cold air reduces PSI by approximately 1 pound for every 10-degree temperature drop. Underinflated tires create rolling resistance that makes your engine or motor work harder.

Lights and Visibility

Check all lights: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers. Towing a trailer? Verify trailer lights work too.

Replace worn windshield wiper blades. Consider heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in heavy snow country.

Fill your windshield washer reservoir completely before winter arrives. Use high-quality winter fluid with de-icer. You will use far more fluid during snowstorms than you expect.

Test front and rear defrosters to make sure they clear windows effectively.

Battery and Starting System

Have your mechanic test the battery for sufficient voltage, amperage, and reserve capacity. For hybrid and traditional vehicles, a weak 12-volt battery causes no-start problems in cold weather.

For electric vehicles, the main battery rarely fails in cold, but the 12-volt auxiliary battery can. Have it tested if it is over three years old.

Have the charging system and belts inspected by a mechanic.

Cooling System

Verify the cooling system is in proper working order. Check coolant levels and make sure the coolant meets manufacturer specifications.

Have the cooling system checked for leaks. Have the coolant tested for proper mix and strength. Over time, rust inhibitors in antifreeze break down and become ineffective.

Drain and replace coolant as recommended by the manufacturer.

Floor Mats

Improperly installed floor mats can interfere with accelerator or brake pedals, increasing crash risk.

Remove old floor mats before installing new ones. Never stack mats. Use mats the correct size for your vehicle. Follow manufacturer instructions for installation. Use retaining clips to prevent the mat from sliding forward.

Every time floor mats are removed, verify the driver’s mat is reinstalled correctly.

Winter Emergency Kit Contents

Keep these items in your vehicle throughout winter.

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Small collapsible shovel
• Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• Bright flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Warm blankets, gloves, hats, and hand warmers
• Non-perishable snacks like energy bars
• Bottled water
• Portable phone charger
• Road flares or reflective warning triangles
• For EVs: Level 1 charging cable if you have one
• For planned icy road driving: small bag of sand or cat litter for traction

Safe Winter Driving Techniques

Winter driving demands different technique than fair-weather driving.

Reduce Speed

Drive slower than posted speed limits allow. Posted limits assume ideal conditions. Snow, ice, and slush require slower speeds for safe stopping distance.

Increase Following Distance

On dry roads, three seconds between cars is standard. On ice and snow, aim for eight to ten seconds. This extra distance gives you time to react and stop if the car ahead stops suddenly.

Accelerate and Brake Gently

Be smooth with all your inputs. Slamming on the accelerator or brake causes skids. Press the accelerator slowly and smoothly. Apply brakes with steady, gentle pressure.

Avoid Cruise Control

Never use cruise control on snowy, icy, or wet roads. You need full control of your vehicle’s speed and immediate ability to adjust.

Turn on Headlights

Use your headlights even during daytime snow. This makes you visible to other drivers. Visibility matters as much during a blizzard as it does at night.

Manage Antilock Brakes Correctly

Modern antilock braking systems prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. If you have ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the brakes.

If your vehicle does not have ABS, you may need to pump the brakes if you feel the wheels starting to lock up.

Avoid Snow Plows

Do not crowd snow plows or travel beside them. Snow plow operators have limited visibility. If you cannot see the mirrors on the plow, the driver cannot see you.

Stay behind an active snow plow or use caution when passing. The road behind a snow plow is safer than the road ahead.

Do not follow too closely. Snow plows can throw up clouds of snow that reduce visibility to zero in seconds.

Adjust for Modern Technology

Modern vehicles have driver-assist systems like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems can be blinded by snow and dirt on sensors.

Keep all sensors clean and clear. Be ready to drive without these systems if they disable themselves. Snow on the camera or radar sensor means you lose electronic help.

A ceramic coating can help keep the sensors and headlights clear.

Driving in Winter Emergencies

If you get stuck or stranded in winter weather, follow these safety rules.

Stay with Your Vehicle

Your car is shelter. Stay inside and do not overexert yourself trying to walk for help.

Make Yourself Visible

Put bright markers on the antenna or windows. Keep the interior dome light on so rescuers can see you.

Use road flares or reflective triangles if you are stopped on a roadway.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Never run your vehicle for extended periods with windows closed or in an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly.

Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe. Run the vehicle only sporadically, just long enough to stay warm.

Protect Your Passengers

Always wear your seat belt. Ensure everyone in the car is buckled into age- and size-appropriate restraints.

All children under 13 should ride properly restrained in the back seat. Car seats and booster seats must be properly installed.

Remove thick winter coats before buckling children into car seats. The padding compresses in a crash and makes straps too loose. Put coats on after the harness is snug and secure.

Never leave children or pets unattended in your vehicle. Car interiors cool to freezing temperatures quickly.

Using Navigation and Traffic Apps

Take advantage of technology to drive safer in winter.

Enable real-time traffic and weather in your navigation app. Use your vehicle’s built-in navigation if it has one.

Check state DOT websites or call 511 for road closures, chain requirements, and plow status before leaving.

For electric vehicles, use route planners that factor temperature and elevation changes into winter range estimates. Standard EPA ranges do not account for cold weather.

Final Pre-Winter Checklist

Before the first winter storm, use this checklist.

• All tires installed and pressures checked
• Winter tires installed if you live in snow country
• Battery tested and connections tightened
• All lights working: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, flashers
• Windshield wipers replaced and functioning
• Windshield washer fluid topped off with de-icer
• Front and rear defrosters working
• Cooling system checked and topped off
• Floor mats properly installed and secured
• Emergency kit assembled and stored in vehicle
• Vehicle fuel tank full or above half
• 12-volt battery age verified and tested if over 3 years old
• Insurance information current and in vehicle
• Phone fully charged and charger in vehicle
• Important phone numbers written down (do not rely only on phone)

Winter Weather Decisions

Some winter weather is too dangerous for driving.

Check the weather before heading out. If hazardous conditions are forecast, wait if you can. Allow extra time for trips during winter.

Familiarize yourself with directions before you go, even if you use GPS. Let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time.

On longer trips, plan stops to stretch, eat, and rest. Do not drive when drowsy. Change drivers if possible or pull over and rest.

One thing remains constant across all powertrains: preparation, attention, and patience keep you safe. Check your vehicle before winter arrives. Understand how cold affects your specific vehicle. Reduce speed and increase following distance. Keep emergency supplies in your car.