Winter shows how useful a tidy charging cable is. Snow, slush and road salt quickly end up on the cable, and in frost it becomes stiff and awkward. These tips get you through the cold season cleanly.
Why the charging cable suffers in winter
- Water and salt: a cable lying in slush brings salt water and dirt into the car.
- Cold: the cable jacket gets stiffer in frost. Sharp bends and hasty winding put more strain on it.
- Ice on the plug: moisture can freeze on the plug and the charging flap.
Winter tips
Keep the cable off the ground
The simplest protection is not to put the cable in the snow at all. Only unwind as much as you need to reach the charging port. With the Cable Cobra, the rest hangs coiled at the charging post or wallbox instead of in the slush.
Wind slowly and in large circles
A cold cable is less flexible. Wind it in large, even circles and avoid sharp bends, especially right at the plug.
How to keep your charging cable clean and undamaged in snow and frost.Keep the plug dry
Put the protective cap on if your cable has one, and do not drop the plug into the snow. If the charging flap is frozen, be patient or use a warm hand. No hot liquids and no force, please.
Wipe first, then pack
After charging, give the cable a quick wipe with a cloth. That protects the trunk and your hands from salt and dirt.
Check the cable regularly
Cracks in the jacket, damaged strain reliefs or loose plugs should be checked by a qualified person before you charge again. Do not keep using a damaged cable.
In short
- Keep the cable out of snow and slush where possible.
- Wind in large circles, no sharp bends in frost.
- Keep the plug dry, do not force a frozen charging flap.
- Wipe after charging and check regularly for damage.
