5 Essential Summer EV Maintenance Tips
Looking After Your EV as the UK Warms Up: 4 Essential Summer Tips
As part of our mission to help electric vehicle (EV) drivers stay informed and get the most from their investment, McNally EV is back with another seasonal guide—this time focused on how hot weather affects your EV. With summer well underway across the UK, it’s more important than ever to look after your vehicle properly.
Much like winter, extreme temperatures in summer can impact your EV’s range, battery life, and performance. But with a few smart habits, you can maintain efficiency, protect your battery, and stay comfortable on the road.
Whether you’re new to EV driving or a seasoned electric motorist, here’s everything you need to know about preparing your EV for summer—plus some practical tips to keep your vehicle and charger working optimally.
1. Monitor and Manage Battery Temperature
Your EV’s battery performs best within a certain temperature range, typically between 15°C–25°C. During hotter months, battery packs can overheat—especially if left in direct sunlight for long periods—reducing efficiency and potentially shortening battery lifespan over time.
What you can do:
- Park in shaded areas or in a garage where possible.
- If your home EV charger is outdoors, avoid charging during peak afternoon heat.
- Use your vehicle’s built-in thermal management system to help regulate battery temperature. Most modern EVs, like those from Tesla, Kia and Nissan, do this automatically.
Pro tip: EV batteries are expensive to replace—protecting them should be a top priority. You can learn more about safe home charging here.
2. Charge at the Right Time
Heat doesn’t just affect your battery during driving—it can also influence how efficiently your car charges. Charging in high temperatures can lead to longer charging times and even thermal throttling, which reduces performance to protect the battery.
Best practice:
- Use a smart charger to schedule charging overnight when temperatures are cooler.
- If you’re on an off-peak tariff, this also helps reduce energy costs.
- Charging early in the morning or after sunset is ideal.
Not sure when’s best to charge? Try our charging calculator to estimate charging times and energy savings based on your car model and schedule.
3. Precondition for Comfort (and Efficiency)
Many drivers overlook this one. Most modern EVs come with preconditioning features, allowing you to cool (or heat) the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in. This uses grid power instead of draining your battery when you hit the road.
How it helps:
- Keeps your vehicle comfortable from the moment you set off
- Saves energy that would otherwise be spent on air conditioning during the drive
How to use it:
- Set your desired cabin temperature through your car’s app or onboard system.
- Activate it 15–30 minutes before departure while still connected to your home charger.
Doing this regularly can add up to significant range savings—especially on longer journeys.
4. Stay on Top of Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure naturally increases in warmer temperatures, and overinflated tyres can negatively impact handling, braking, and efficiency.
Why it matters for EVs:
EVs tend to be heavier than petrol or diesel cars due to the battery. This means tyre performance plays a more critical role in energy use and braking.
Top tips:
- Check your tyre pressure fortnightly during summer months.
- Always check when tyres are cool for an accurate reading.
- Follow your manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door).
A quick stop at your local garage or using a portable pump at home will keep things running smoothly.
5. Don’t Ignore Long-Term Heat Exposure
Extended exposure to high temperatures, especially if you leave your vehicle parked outdoors all day, can affect not just the battery, but the electronics and interior too.
Consider:
- Using reflective windscreen shades
- Tinted windows (where legal)
- Parking in covered or shaded areas as a habit
This isn’t just about comfort—it helps protect components like infotainment systems, upholstery, and screens from UV damage.This isn’t just about comfort—it helps protect components like infotainment systems, upholstery, and screens from UV damage.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead for Summer Road Trips
If you’re heading out on a summer break, plan your charging stops in advance. Many EV drivers assume there’ll always be a rapid charger available—but summer means more EVs on the road and potentially longer wait times.
Use apps like:
Planning ensures you avoid stress, particularly on busy weekends.
Before you go, make sure your home EV charger is working properly—if you need an upgrade, we can help.
Stay Safe, Stay Efficient, Stay Charged
By following these tips, you’ll keep your EV running smoothly and safely throughout the summer. The heat might be rising—but that doesn’t mean your battery performance has to drop.
At McNally EV, we install smart, future-proof home charging solutions tailored to every vehicle type. We’ve helped thousands of drivers across Yorkshire and the UK enjoy smarter, more efficient EV ownership.
✅ Want to check if your current setup is summer-ready? Book a consultation or call 01535 444 101.
🚗 Ready to upgrade your charger? Explore our full home charger installation service now.
Need help staying charged this summer?
We’re here to help—get in touch.
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