Why Toyota's Hybrids are Winter Ready
For those who still have reservations about the performance of hybrid vehicles during BC’s colder winter months, we’re here to put those worries to rest. When it comes to taking on Canadian weather, Toyota hybrids are just as capable as any other conventional car on the road - with the added bonus of being easier on the environment and your wallet!
So what makes the Toyota hybrid lineup so capable of withstanding unpredictable winter weather? We thought you’d never ask! In this article, we’re taking a look at some specific features that make Toyota hybrids a confident choice for West Kootenay drivers, plus some of the exciting hybrid models available now at Nelson Toyota.
Toyota Hybrids Have All-Wheel Drive
Every vehicle in the Toyota hybrid lineup comes with standard or available all-wheel drive, which is one of your best defences against slippery driving conditions. In AWD Toyota hybrids, a second electric motor powers the rear wheels, providing equal power to all four tires and helping you navigate tough terrain like a pro. Toyotas are also equipped with standard stability and traction control systems that improve grip and further help you keep control of your vehicle.
Hybrid Engines Can Handle Extreme Temperatures
Toyota's hybrids use intelligent self-charging technology to not only recharge the electrified components while you’re on-the-go, but also to switch seamlessly between electric and gas power. Everything happens automatically, so you never have to worry about manually controlling your hybrid vehicle. This means that no matter what our Canadian winters dish out, you can sit back and concentrate on the road ahead while your Toyota hybrid takes care of the rest.
As with any conventional vehicle, it’s recommended to let your hybrid warm up for a few minutes during extremely cold temperatures. It would be unlikely for us to ever experience those types of temperatures here in the Kootenays, but if you take a trip up the mountains or to the northern edges of the province, you might want to give yourself a few minutes of idling time before hitting the road.
Find Your Perfect Toyota Hybrid
→ For drivers who appreciate the spaciousness of an SUV, we recommend electrified Toyota models like the RAV4 Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and Venza.
→ If you’re looking for something more compact, the Prius, Corolla Hybrid and Camry Hybrid all come equipped with AWD, and loads of luxurious bells and whistles.
→ Need to maximize space for multiple passengers? The 8-seater Sienna (with a new standard hybrid engine) is the perfect choice, and also comes available with AWD.
A Well-Equipped Hybrid is Always Ready for Action!
How else can you crush the winter blahs in your new Toyota hybrid? We love to splurge on upgrades like heated side mirrors and steering wheel, easy-clean mud mats, and a roof rack for hauling your skis into the BC backcountry on the weekends.
Another important consideration is to ensure your vehicle (hybrid or otherwise) is equipped with a good set of winter tires early in the season (our technicians recommend swapping your tires once the temperature is regularly falling to 7 degrees Celsius or less). Winter tires are vital to keeping drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe, not to mention that you have a legal obligation in BC to have your vehicle equipped with the correct tires for both summer and winter.
If you need help finding the right winter tires for your specific model, require tire storage solutions, or need a tire installation service, look no further than the Nelson Toyota Tire Centre!
We hope this article has helped answer any lingering questions about the capabilities of hybrid vehicles in rain, sleet, sun or snow! If you’d like to learn more about Toyota hybrid technology, or take one of our electrified vehicles out for a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact the Nelson Toyota sales team today!
