OWNER TIPS

Navigate San Francisco’s Cold Season: Winter-Ready Tips for Your Tesla

A red Tesla surrounded by mist

Owning a Tesla means enjoying innovation and comfort year-round—but winter weather brings new challenges. Here’s how to maximize your Tesla’s winter-ready features and stay road-ready.

 

Maximize Energy Efficiency in Cold Weather

Cold weather increases tire drag and requires extra energy for cabin heating and battery warming, making energy-saving strategies essential.

 

Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency:
  • Plug in Your Tesla: Preserve your battery’s range by keeping your car plugged in for energy-intensive tasks like cabin heating and battery preconditioning.
  • Scheduled Departure: Use the ‘Scheduled Departure’ feature to charge and precondition your Tesla before heading out. Access it through the ‘Charging’ menu on your touchscreen or the app under ‘Schedule.’
  • Precondition Before Driving: Activate preconditioning or defrost mode via the Tesla app a few minutes before driving. Keep your Tesla plugged in to avoid draining the battery.

 

Stay Informed with Real-Time Driving Insights

Cold weather can affect your range and regenerative braking. Here’s how to leverage your Tesla’s technology to stay informed and in control.

 

Tips to Improve Your Driving Experience:
  • Energy App: The updated Energy app provides a real-time view of energy consumption and projected range. See how factors like cabin temperature and driving habits impact energy use and get actionable tips to improve efficiency.
  • Snowflake Icon: A blue snowflake icon indicates that your battery is too cold for full power and ideal range. Regenerative braking and acceleration may be limited until the battery warms up. To reduce cold-weather impacts, keep your battery above 20% charge and plug in whenever possible.

By monitoring your energy consumption and understanding your Tesla’s notifications, you can stay in control no matter the conditions.

A black Tesla connected to a charging station in the rain

 

Improve Charging Speeds and Trip Planning

Winter road trips can be stress-free with Tesla’s smart charging and navigation features. Try these tips to get the most out of your charging.

 

Tips to Optimize Your Charging:
  • Navigate to Superchargers: Use your Tesla’s navigation even if you know your route. Your vehicle will preheat the battery en route to a Supercharger to maximize charging speeds.
  • Get Accurate Charging Plans: The Trip Planner optimizes routes using real-time data, including weather and driving trends.
  • Use Real-Time Information: Stay updated with wait times and pricing at Superchargers so you can make informed decisions on the go.

 

Pro Tips for Winter Peace of Mind

These small adjustments to your routine can make a big difference in your Tesla’s performance and safety during colder months.

 

Tips to Be Ready for Winter:
  • Monitor Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to maintain efficiency and handling.
  • Stay Above 20% Charge: A low battery in cold weather can limit performance. Keep your charge level above 20% to ensure all systems function optimally.
  • Stay Comfortable with Winter-Ready Climate Control: Use the Tesla app to turn on climate control and defrost your vehicle before heading out. Whether you’re warming up for your morning commute or de-icing your windshield, these features add convenience to your winter routine.

 

An Earthling Automotive Mechanic working on a Tesla

 

Keep Your Tesla Winter-Ready with a Free Winter Check-Up!

We’ve shared essential tips to optimize your Tesla’s performance during San Francisco’s cold, wet season—now let us help you put them into action.

 

Don’t wait—schedule your FREE Winter Check-Up (a $98 value) this January to drive confidently all season long.

What’s included?

✔️ Tire tread & pressure check

✔️ 12v battery test

✔️ Wiper inspection for clear visibility

✔️ Bulb check for proper lighting

Offer ends January 31, 2025.

 

Call or text 415-875-9030, or book online to claim your free check-up and stay ahead of the season’s challenges!