How Do Hybrid Cars Perform in Winter?

When winter comes, there are some adjustments that hybrid car owners need to make. Cold weather causes hybrid cars to have a drop in fuel efficiency.

Winter conditions cause hybrid cars to take longer for the engine to reach normal operating temperature. With your hybrid car, you can start to notice that the vehicle doesn’t operate as effectively in its electric mode as it does in normal weather. This is because the engine has to operate more frequently to generate heat to warm the interior.

You are supposed to keep the hybrid’s interior cleaned out. Carrying extra luggage in your car or keeping the ski-rack on the roof negatively affects the efficiency of your car. This is because it takes more energy to carry any extra heavy weight.

You must also check the air pressure in the tires, too. Cold temperatures can result in tires becoming under-inflated because low temperature causes the air molecules to contract. Under-inflated tires have been noted to increase rolling resistance which makes hybrid cars harder to move. This increases your need for fuel and cuts into the fuel economy. You can combat this problem by buying snow tires for your hybrid car.

It’s a good idea to learn techniques for overcoming challenges on snowy and icy roads like learning how to drive out of a skid or a fishtail. You should never forget to keep a small winter emergency kit in your hybrid car. A bag of kitty litter and a shovel can help you get your vehicle moving.

Gary’s Automotive has been providing honest and reliable automotive services in the Greater Vancouver area for over 30 years. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule some service for your vehicle, give us a call at (604) 541-1818.