The winds of winter are now fully upon us, and we're all making the necessary adjustments. The heat in the house is cranked up, the salt is spread across the sidewalk, and the winter wardrobe is in full swing. Meanwhile, perhaps you've noticed that your Nissan Leaf is in a bit more of a rugged shape than usual.

Considering that even traditional car batteries need special care during the winter, it should come as no surprise that electric vehicle owners need to stay extra attentive to their vehicle's winter needs. Your EV's range and performance will inherently dip a little until the weather warms up, but by applying these maintenance techniques, you'll be able to remain on the road and worry-free.

Since batteries are more susceptible to sudden depletion in the winter, treat 20% as your new base threshold. Keep your car charging when not in use whenever possible; don't allow yourself to get stranded on a sleek winter road.

If you own a garage or a similar storage facility, try to keep your car parked inside it for the duration of winter. Of course, many of us have no option other than keeping our car parked outside. If that's the case, keep the battery active by starting it at least once a day, rather than leaving it parked for extended stretches. If you have no choice but to leave it parked for several days, make sure the battery is charged to at least 70% to avoid degradation.

When your car is parked and charging, try to avoid fast (or DC) charging. It may seem inconvenient and counterintuitive, but it's healthier for the battery to charge at slower speeds during the winter. Level 1 charging, generally the slowest charging option, is actually the preferable option for charging in the cold. Additionally, remember to leave your EV in ECO mode.

Preheat your EV while you're preparing to leave for work or daily errands. By slowly ramping up the heat, you alleviate some of the pressure from the battery once you're in motion. Charging your car while you heat it is preferable, when possible, as the power draws from the charger instead of the battery, maximizing your range for the day.

Don't abuse the heat once you are driving; take advantage of your heated seat instead. Your range will only decrease if your heat is constantly being pushed to its maximum. Trust what your body is telling you but try to leave the heat on low if you can.

Here at Abeloff Nissan, we're fully committed to getting our customers through the winter unscathed. Make sure to explore your tire options, as winter tires are another surefire method to increase your range in the cold. And for whatever else your EV requires – be it help with your battery or simply an oil change – Abeloff Nissan is here to get the job done.

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