Autumn Maintenance for Your EV: Cables, Tyres, and Charging Checks
As the UK heads into autumn, dropping temperatures, wet weather, and shorter days can all affect your electric vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Just like petrol and diesel cars, EVs benefit from seasonal checks—but with a few extra considerations around charging, cables, and battery care.
Here’s a simple guide to keeping your EV in great shape this autumn, so you can drive confidently through changing weather conditions.
Check Your EV Charging Cables
Autumn often means damp conditions and more debris on the roads, which can affect your EV charging equipment. Taking a few minutes to inspect your cables can save you hassle later.
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Look for wear and tear – check both ends of your cable for cracks, fraying, or loose pins.
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Clean the connectors – wipe away dirt, leaves, or moisture before plugging in.
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Test at different points – if you use multiple chargers (home and public), make sure your cable works smoothly at each.
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Store properly – always keep your cable in a protective case to avoid damage when not in use.
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Inspect Your Tyres
With wetter roads and darker evenings, tyre conditions become even more important. EVs are typically heavier than petrol cars, meaning tyres can wear faster, especially under strong torque.
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Check tread depth – legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is safer for wet grip.
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Monitor tyre pressure – cold weather lowers pressure, which can impact efficiency and handling.
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Look for uneven wear – heavy EVs can wear tyres quicker on the edges. Rotate if necessary.
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Consider all-season tyres – if you live in a rural or hilly area, all-weather tyres provide better autumn/winter performance.
A quick and simple way to check your tyre tread depth is by using a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the tread grooves—if the outer band of the coin is completely hidden, your tyres meet the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
Charging Checks for Autumn
Colder weather can slightly reduce EV battery efficiency, so it’s important to adapt your charging habits:
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Charge little and often – topping up regularly helps maintain range and avoids deep discharges in cold weather.
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Precondition your battery – if your EV has this feature, use it to warm the battery before setting off.
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Check your home charger – make sure your wall box is clear of leaves and debris, and schedule charging for off-peak hours to save on energy costs.
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Plan for public charging – use apps like Zap-Map to find working chargers on your route, as demand rises during colder months.
Why Autumn Maintenance Matters for EVs
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Safety – wet roads and darker evenings make tyre and brake checks vital.
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Efficiency – colder weather impacts range, but small changes help maximise performance.
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Reliability – spotting cable or charger issues early prevents problems when you need them most.
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Longevity – good seasonal habits extend the life of your EV and charging equipment.
Autumn driving brings new challenges, but with the right checks in place, your EV will handle them with ease. From charging cable inspections to tyre safety and battery care, a little preparation goes a long way towards ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-efficient electric driving.
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