Electric car owners across the UK are being urged to take critical safety precautions as the cold weather sets in, with experts warning that simple oversights could lead to penalties totalling a staggering £11,000. The alert comes alongside essential winter advice from carmaker Kia, aimed at helping drivers navigate the seasonal hazards.
The High Cost of Winter Negligence
Official statistics reveal that adverse weather contributes to 1,292 injuries and four fatalities on British roads annually. Failing to prepare your vehicle not only risks safety but can also deliver a severe financial blow. Poor visibility alone can result in a fine of up to £1,000. However, the most severe penalties relate to tyres.
Driving with underinflated tyres or those below the legal tread depth can incur a fine of £2,500 per tyre. With four illegal tyres, this could escalate to a potential £10,000, plus penalty points. Combined with the visibility fine, the total reaches £11,000, alongside the risk of a driving ban. While social media is a common source of advice, professionals stress the importance of seeking verified guidance.
Kia's Expert Tips for Electric Vehicle Safety
To assist EV owners, Kia has compiled a list of key winter preparations. A primary recommendation is to precondition your battery and cabin. This involves warming up the car while it remains plugged into the charger. This practice preserves battery range for the journey and ensures a warm, defrosted cabin from the outset, utilising power from the grid rather than the vehicle's battery.
Maintaining clear windows is not just a safety measure but a legal requirement under the Highway Code. Foggy windows drastically reduce visibility and breaching the rules can lead to fines, points, or licence suspension. Drivers must consistently use their heating and defrosting systems to ensure a clear view.
Tyre Checks and Smart Charging
Cold temperatures cause tyre pressures to drop, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances. Kia advises regularly checking and inflating tyres to the manufacturer's recommended level, not waiting for a warning light. Crucially, drivers must examine tread depth. UK law mandates a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Falling short of this risks the severe fines mentioned.
Battery performance and range can suffer in lower temperatures. Kia's guidance is to plan charging stops strategically, try to keep the battery charge above 20%, and use rapid chargers on long trips. Charging overnight at home ensures you start with maximum range.
Smooth Driving and Emergency Preparedness
Adopting a smooth driving style is crucial in winter. Sudden acceleration or braking wastes energy and heightens the risk of losing traction on icy roads. Anticipating traffic and maintaining a steady speed improves both safety and efficiency.
Finally, packing a winter emergency kit is a sensible precaution. This should include an ice scraper, de-icer, a blanket, warm coat, phone charger, and your vehicle's charging cables. These items could prove vital during unexpected delays or breakdowns in harsh conditions.
For more detailed information, drivers can consult Kia's official winter driving guide, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges of the season ahead.
