Snow Days Are Better With Tesla, according to the title. The remainder of the title describes the Tesla Model Y’s snow-friendly features. Surprisingly, Tesla omitted many of its winter-weather features from the list. In-depth, let’s examine whether a Tesla Model Y is suitable for adverse weather.
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What Is A “Good In Snow” Vehicle?
The term “good in the snow” is purely a matter of opinion. A person from Norway, Colorado, or California may have very different ideas about what qualifies as an automobile that is “good in the snow” than someone from the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. We won’t ignore Tesla owners’ viewpoints or purchasing tendencies in this analysis. The truth is that the opinions of Tesla owners alone matter. Nonetheless, there are unbiased methods to evaluate a vehicle’s “Good in snow” rating.
Tesla Model Y – No Heated Wipers, Headlight Washers, or Fully Heated Windshield
Several of the high-end vehicles we test have a fully heated windscreen. The entire glass surface should be used to warm the wipers, not just the lower portion. Some possess the power to clean their headlights. LED headlights are cold in snowy conditions and can develop ice buildup. It’s fantastic to be able to spray them with washer fluid. In some cars, the washer fluid nozzles are heated. Jeep even provides a spray washer for its cameras that face forward. None of these technologies are provided by Tesla.
Tesla Model Y – Defrosting Your Car
You need to clear the snow and ice from your vehicle before you can test your driving prowess on a route that is covered in snow and ice. Recently, Tesla introduced a new function that, in our opinion, gives the company a competitive edge. Particular Tesla models include heating elements built into the base of the windshield that assists in defrosting your wiper blades and keeping them free of ice while you drive. This feature is included in every crossover SUV in our home, including our Subaru, Mazda, and Toyota.
Tesla Model Y – Cabin Preconditioning
ICE automobiles have always had remote starting capabilities. The majority of inexpensive models provide keyfob or app-based remote starting. If plugged in, EVs can even pre-cool their cabins to help preserve some range. The same is true for Tesla. “Scheduled Departure” and “Remote Defrosting” are two of Tesla’s four “advantages” that the company claims to make its vehicles capable of driving in snow. Given that nearly all modern electric vehicles have cabin preconditioning, it is difficult to state that Tesla is unique.
Tesla Model Y – Standard All-Wheel Drive
The ideal propulsion option for snow days is all-wheel drive. While most 4X4 systems are difficult to steer, it is the best type of four-wheel drive. Both the Long Range and Performance Model Ys from Tesla have AWD. Its most significant winter driving characteristic is this. AWD is also a standard feature on all Subaru and Mazda crossovers the size of the Model Y, and Toyota offers a variety of systems on its RAV4 and Highlander models. Although AWD on crossovers is nice, is it that remarkable in 2023?
Tesla Model Y Has No Snow Mode But Does Have a Slip Start
For many years, there have been snow modes. Compared to regular or sports modes, these settings reduce torque and distribute power to the four wheels more evenly. Tesla Model Y from Tesla lacks a snow mode. In contrast, Ford’s Bronco Sport features at least three that we can count, including a locking rear differential, and Subaru’s Forester has three.
Tesla Model Y No Hill Descent Control
Hill descent control allows a vehicle to slowly and gradually dive down a steep hill using both the powertrain and individual brakes. It has been employed in various vehicles, including Land Rovers, Lexus cars, Hondas, and Subarus. It functions incredibly well. A feature like this is beneficial if you have a remote lodge that you use during the winter months to keep you out of trouble and to give you more options for where to go.
If you have a steep driveway, you come home after a long day at work, which also works fantastically. Hill Descent Control is not available from Tesla.
Tesla Model Y Emergency Features Spare Tire and Recovery Points
The Model Y is no different from other cars in that it features emergency towing eyelets that can aid in recovering a trapped car. Yet, vehicles designed for winter excursions have recovery sites that are available and simple to reach. Tesla’s Model Y. does not offer them. However, numerous other manufacturers offer them in their crossover SUVs, including Jeep, Ford, and Honda. Recovery spots are simply logical if you explore some freezing tundra, as the Model Y is seen doing in the advertisement Tesla utilized.
Conclusion: Are Snow Days Better With A Tesla Model Y?
Which car, with or without severe snow-rated tires, would you choose to travel to a ski lodge in a snowstorm? Which would you prefer—one with 6.6 inches of clearance or one with about nine? Would you prefer to have one, two, or three snow modes to enhance and maximize the performance of your AWD system? Would you want to use Hill Descent Control or not if there was a steep downhill portion on the route to your cabin (at night while it was sleeting sideways)? Would you desire a car that can defrost the washer nozzles and clean the headlights?
Would you like a windshield that was entirely heated? How about the comfort of a full-size spare tire in a storm far from home? AWD is present in the Tesla, and the seats and steering wheel are heated. Let’s not pretend that Tesla has any trims of models configured to perform better in winter conditions than any other AWD crossover. Suitable for light snowfall.
FAQ’s
A Tesla Model Y with dual motors provides AWD capability, which means power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, providing better traction on slippery roads. This can help you maintain control and stability while driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Yes, you can preheat your Tesla Model Y remotely from your phone. This means that you can warm up your car before you even step outside, making it much more comfortable to get in and start driving. It can also help reduce the amount of snow and ice that accumulates on your windshield and windows.
The Tesla Model Y comes with a powerful heating system, capable of quickly and efficiently warming up the cabin. This can be especially important on cold and snowy days when you want to stay warm and comfortable during your drive.