2022 Polestar 2 Driving in winter
Preparing for a long trip
Check that
- the brake pedal is functioning properly
- tire tread depth and air pressure are at correct levels. Change to snow tires when driving in areas where there is a risk of snowy or icy roads
- Battery is sufficiently charged
- the wiper blades are in good condition
Snow chains
- Using snow chains and/or snow tires can help improve traction in winter driving conditions.
- Polestar recommends that snow chains are not used on wheel dimensions larger than 20 inches.
- Snow chains must only be used on the front wheels (also applies to all-wheel drive cars).
- Use Polestar genuine snow chains or equivalent snow chains that are suitable for the vehicle model and the tire and wheel sizes. Only one-sided snow chains are permitted.
- Contact Polestar Customer Support if you have any questions regarding the use of snow chains. Use of the wrong snow chains could cause serious damage to the vehicle and result in an accident.
- Using snow chains could result in malfunction of the system for monitoring of tire inflation pressures*.
Snow chains can be used on the vehicle, with the following restrictions:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and retighten periodically.
- If extra, aftermarket or “custom” tires and wheels with different dimensions than the original tires and wheels are used, snow chains in some cases may NOT be used. Sufficient distance between the chains and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained.
- Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
- Never exceed the snow chain manufacturer’s specified maximum speed limit. Under no circumstances should you exceed 50 km/h (30 mph).
- Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
- Avoid driving on surfaces without snow as this wears out both the snow chains and the tires.
- The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as locked wheel braking.
- Some types of strap-on chains affect brake components and therefore must NOT be used.
For more information about snow chains, contact Polestar Customer Support.
Snow tires
- Snow tires are designed for winter driving conditions.
- Polestar recommends snow tires with specific dimensions. The tire dimensions vary depending on the electric motor selected. When driving with snow tires, the correct type of tires must be mounted on all four wheels.
- Contact Polestar Customer Support for assistance determining the most suitable rims and tires.
Tips for changing snow tires: When switching between regular tires and snow tires, mark the tires according to which side they were mounted on, e.g. L for left and R for right.
Studded tires: Studded tires should be broken in by driving 500–1000 km(300–600 miles) slowly and gently to help the studs settle properly in the tires. This gives the tire, and especially the studs, a longer service life.
Legislation concerning the use of studded tires may vary. Always follow local laws and regulations.
Tread depth: Road conditions with ice, slush and low temperatures place considerably higher demands on tires than summer conditions. Polestar therefore recommends not driving on snow tires that have a tread depth of less than 4 mm (0.15 in.).
Winter driving
Before the cold season arrives:
- Check the condition and charge level of the battery. Cold weather places greater demands on the battery and reduces its capacity.
- Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to help prevent ice from forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditions
- Polestar recommends changing the setting for one-pedal drive to Offor Low to contribute to more stable driving in slippery or icy conditions.
- To help optimize traction and roadholding, Polestar recommends using snow tires on all wheels whenever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.
- Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use of studded tires.
- Practice driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.