Any
keen driver would notice that the fuel economy of their cars goes
down by a significant margin during the colder months of the year. A
recent study has revealed that a typical gasoline-powered car
consumes about 12% more fuel at 0°C
that it does at 25°C.
If you take frequent short trips of less than 5 miles, the fuel
economy can drop by up to 22%. Hybrid cars fare even worse. They
deliver 31-34% lower fuel economy under the same circumstances.
Given
the ever-rising prices of gas, it is paramount to understand the
reasons behind this lower fuel economy and if there’s anything one
can do to remedy it.
Why
do cars consume more fuel in winters?
There
are many adverse effects that the lower temperature has on the gas
mileage of a car.
-
The engine oil becomes colder and as a result, thicker. It leads to increased friction between the engine components.
-
The engine takes more time to heat up and reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. It is also the reason that fuel efficiency is even lower during shorter trips. The engine just doesn’t get enough time to reach optimal temperature.
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The use of electrical appliances such as heater and defrosters increases fuel consumption.
-
Tyre pressure decreases with temperature. Also, the road grip of tyres decreases on snow-covered streets. Both of these factors lead to higher fuel consumption.
-
Battery output reduces in winters, which means that the alternator has to work harder to charge it.
All
these factors combine to reduce the fuel economy of your car during
winters.
Tips
to improve fuel economy in winters
There’s
no way to completely negate the effects of cold weather on your car’s
fuel economy. However, there are a few simple things that you can do
to minimise it.
-
Avoid idling your car for several minutes. Many drivers idle their vehicles for a long time thinking that it’ll heat up the engine. However, the best practice is to start your car and gently drive off in about 30 seconds. The engine heats up much faster when the vehicle is being driven.
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Do not park your car out in the open at night. Parking your vehicle inside a closed garage will keep the engine warmer.
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Invest in a set of premium winter tyres in Totton. These tyres deliver better performance under wintry road conditions.
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Consolidate your trips when possible.
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Keep a regular tab on the tyre inflation pressure. It drops by 1 PSI for every 10° drop in temperature. Lower pressure increases the rolling resistance.
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Use low-viscosity engine oil. Look for manufacturer’s recommendation in your owner’s manual.
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The aerodynamic drag is more in winters than in summers as cold air is relatively denser. Make your car as aerodynamically efficient as possible. Do not drive with the windows rolled down. Remove the bike rack from your car’s roof.
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Take your car for a general servicing at reliable garages like Totton Tyres and Exhausts at the beginning of the season. They have experienced technicians who will take appropriate measures to ensure that your car is as efficient as possible. You may also buy the best winter tyres in Totton from their vast inventory.
Ensure
maximum fuel efficiency of your car with these simple tips. There’s
no reason why you should spend exorbitantly more on fuel in winters.
