July 15, 2026/byAlexandra Miles/inHelp & Advice, Volvo News

Safety First: Practical Tips for Volvo Car Drivers During Winter

Regardless of the vehicle type, some universal rules apply for driving in winter that can make all the difference.

Batteries: Petrol

While we often associate batteries with electric vehicles, every car relies on one, and cold winter weather affects them all. It’s normal for batteries not to perform as well during winter, as colder temperatures slow down chemical reactions, affecting their performance.

For petrol cars and mild hybrids, this means the battery must work harder to get the engine started. The result? Batteries can be under more strain and lose charge faster than normal. So, it’s smart to monitor battery health more closely than usual during the colder months, especially if temperatures are dropping to the low single digits.

In most modern cars, the battery light on the dashboard will stay lit after ignition if the car’s sensors indicate a low state of charge. However, to be sure, an inexpensive and simple way to check is to use a multimeter. A healthy reading is usually between 12.4 and 12.7 volts when the engine is off. Alternatively, if your car is booked in or due for a service, ask one of our qualified Volvo Christchurch technicians for a battery health check.

Plug-in Hybrids and Fully Electric

For vehicles such as PHEVs and EVs, extended periods of colder weather can reduce battery range due to the impact of low temperatures. But don’t worry, there are some simple ways to maximise all-electric miles within Volvo PHEVs and EVs.

Preheating the car while it is still plugged in can help make sure you stay warm once you’ve left your garage. After that, using the heated steering wheel and heated seating is more energy efficient than heating the whole cabin.
Volvo Cars EVs also come with a Range Assistant function, which automatically adjusts climate control settings when the battery drops below 50%, therefore helping extend the remaining range.
Regardless of the seasons, it’s best to avoid deep discharging (allowing the battery to run down to a very low level) and overcharging. This helps preserve long-term efficiency and keeps your driving range at its best.

Grip Matters

A solid grip on the road is essential, especially in colder, darker, and wetter conditions. Just like batteries, tyres get affected by temperature changes, with air pressure naturally dropping as the weather cools.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure ensures better contact between the tyre and the road surface. This not only improves overall vehicle control and reduces the risk of accidents, but also helps your tyres wear more evenly, meaning it can extend their life and improve fuel efficiency in the process.

All Volvo vehicles are fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which continuously checks the pressure of all four tyres.

But it’s also important to inspect your tyres regularly. If the tread depth is approaching the legal minimum (1.5 mm across the full width of the tyre), or you spot visible damage, for example, cuts, bulges, cracks, or discolouration, it’s time to replace them.

If your tyres do seem to be wearing unevenly, speak to one of our Volvo Christchurch technicians to check that your wheels are correctly aligned and balanced.

Wipers, Screen Wash, Sensors

It’s easy to overlook the basics, but running out of screen wash during muddy conditions or getting caught in heavy rain with worn wiper blades can quickly compromise visibility and safety. Winter roads also mean more grime in general, which can obscure sensors and cameras, potentially affecting built-in safety features like lane keeping, parking assistance, or emergency braking.

To stay on the safe side:

Check your wiper blades regularly; if they’re streaking or squeaking, it’s time to replace them.
Keep screen wash topped up with a proper winter-grade formula, which helps to break down tough dirt and grime.
Wipe sensors and cameras clean with a soft cloth to ensure your car’s assistance systems function as they should.

The Drive Away

While many of these checks are simple for drivers to do themselves, some things, like assessing brakes, suspension, or alignment, are best left for a Volvo-trained technician. A professional safety check can give you added peace of mind, especially when headed into the middle of winter. Book a service here.