Posted on 12/20/2024
As the temperatures drop, you might notice a concerning trend at the pump—your car’s fuel efficiency seems to take a hit during winter. Don’t worry, it’s not just your imagination. Cold weather affects how your vehicle operates, leading to increased fuel consumption. But the good news? With a few adjustments, you can keep your fuel efficiency in check and save money during the colder months. Why Does Winter Affect Fuel Efficiency Why does winter have such an impact? For starters, engines take longer to reach their optimal operating temperature in cold weather, meaning they burn more fuel during warm-up. Colder air also increases aerodynamic drag, and winter-grade gasoline blends tend to have less energy per gallon compared to summer blends. Shorter trips, the use of defrosters and heaters, and icy roads that force you to drive slower all contribute to decreased efficiency. While you can’t control the weather, you can adapt your driving ... read more