As the weather cools, your car will need electricity in one form or another. InCar, a Finnish damage repair chain, has compiled a list of tips to make driving more energy-efficient this winter. Whether your car runs on fuel, is a hybrid or fully electric, all of them need preheating – and EVs need battery charging. But how energy-efficient is this with rising electricity prices? If anyone knows, it’s the people in the North.
“Many drivers wonder whether to choose between expensive preheating or costly driving. But when you look more closely, that’s not the real choice. Preheating a fuel-powered car not only protects the engine but also saves fuel. It’s worth preheating when the outside temperature drops close to zero,” says Teemu Kulmala, workshop manager at InCar Rovaniemi.
According to Kulmala, preheating is especially important in freezing conditions, when it can make a big difference in fuel efficiency. But right now, it’s worth reassessing how long your car actually needs to be warmed.
“What you save on fuel can easily be spent on preheating. According to the old rule of thumb: between 0 and –5°C, preheat for 30 to 60 minutes; between –5 and –10°C, preheat for 1 to 2 hours; and when it’s colder than that, up to 2 to 3 hours. That said, even a short warm-up is better for the engine than a cold start,” Kulmala explains.
“With electricity costs rising, it goes without saying that you should park in a garage or indoor parking facility whenever possible. This applies to both fuel-powered and electric vehicles.”
Charging your EV – how to extend your range?
If your car runs partly or fully on electricity, you’ll save on fuel – but how can you get the most out of your battery-powered kilometres as they get increasingly expensive?
“Whenever possible, park your car in a warm place. And if you’re able to plan your driving schedule, try to time charging so the battery is full just before departure. That way, the battery is still warm when you start driving, and energy consumption is lower,” says Kulmala.
Cars today offer a lot of comfort features – but if you want to save electricity, use them with care. Slightly lowering the cabin temperature and limiting the use of seat and steering wheel heaters can help, as all of these consume battery power. Many small things often go unnoticed from an energy usage point of view.
“Take tyre pressure, for example. When the pressure is correct, the car uses less electricity. And if your car has an eco driving mode, activate it – it reduces the overall energy use of the car’s systems,” Kulmala adds.
“We professionals in the automotive industry have talked about fuel-efficient driving for decades. Now is the time for every driver to apply it. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking – not just for safety, but to reduce energy consumption. Set the cruise control to match the speed limit. Small changes in driving habits save electricity – and money.”
Finally, Kulmala reminds drivers that safety should always come first – even in energy-saving efforts.
“For example, never skip heating your front or rear windshields when visibility is at stake. When it starts snowing, clean them before setting off. In general, energy-efficient driving is about small steps. That way, the changes won’t feel overwhelming – and the impact adds up over the course of a long winter,” Kulmala concludes.