Here's how to get through the first burst of winter

Do you drive an electric vehicle? Make the most of the technology at your disposal! If your vehicle has an app, you can use your smartphone to pre-heat your EV while it is still connected to the charging station. This will save your battery during the drive and allow you to step into a wonderfully warm vehicle. Plus, you make sure the windows are already defrosted, saving you time and effort. So at the push of a button, you're immediately seated to leave in the best conditions.

When you leave for work in your electric car on a cold morning, it's best not to be stuck with a frozen charging cable. Fortunately, you can very easily prevent your charging cable from freezing to your vehicle. Before plugging in, always dry the plug and charging port with a cloth. Are you really unlucky and has your plug frozen? Do not throw hot water on it, but turn on your vehicle's heater, as described above. This will also defrost the charging port.

A clear windscreen is crucial, especially during cold and dark periods. So make sure your windscreen washer fluid reservoir is properly filled with a product that can withstand freezing temperatures. Choose windscreen washer fluid with antifreeze to prevent the water in your nozzles from freezing. Splashing water and brine make your windscreen dirty faster during the winter months, so that's when a good antifreeze windscreen washer fluid comes in handy.

Instead of heating your entire vehicle, focus on comfort-oriented solutions like seat and steering wheel heating. This way, you will use less energy than if you heat the entire cabin of your vehicle. This is especially the case with electric cars. And since your hands and back are nice and warm, you enjoy a pleasant drive. Moreover, your seat and steering wheel warm up quicker than the entire car, so you'll be warmer in the coldest moments.

Don't set the temperature in your car too high. It is tempting to turn the heating up full blast, but that will make you tired faster and it can affect your driving. It also increases your energy consumption, especially in electric vehicles. Opt for a comfortable temperature around 19 to 20 degrees. That way you enjoy a pleasant climate without wasting energy unnecessarily.

Being prepared on the road is extra important in winter. Breakdowns can happen to anyone, and with a well-stocked emergency kit, you will be ready for any situation. What belongs in such a kit? Think torch, first aid kit, an extra warm coat or blanket and a power bank to charge your phone. This way, you will not only be prepared for the cold, but also for unexpected situations on the road.

Winter conditions can seriously damage your car. Road salt can damage your paintwork. An extra layer of wax on your bodywork will help repel the salt and dirt. So at the carwash, opt for the extra wax option. This is a small additional cost that will protect your vehicle from rusting and fading paintwork in the long run. Plus, your car will look shiny too!

The last thing you want on a cold morning is to have your car lock frozen solid. A lock defroster is a handy tool to prevent this problem. Just make sure you always keep it outside the vehicle, for example in your jacket pocket or bag, so you can easily reach it. A de-icer can also come in handy for your tailgate, especially on electric vehicles. Definitely do not throw a bucket of hot water over your vehicle to remove the ice, as this can damage the paintwork and glass!

With these tips, you will be all set to survive the first blast of winter. By preparing your vehicle properly and being smart about the cold, you can hit the road confidently and safely. Drive safe and enjoy the winter!