Does a car consume more fuel in winter?
1 Answers
Car fuel consumption is slightly higher in winter compared to summer. Here are the reasons for the increased fuel consumption in winter: 1. Extended warm-up time: In most regions of China, drivers can shift gears and start driving about half a minute after starting the vehicle, then drive in first gear for a short distance before normal driving. For some northern cities where winters are extremely cold, the warm-up time can be appropriately extended. Additionally, when the engine coolant temperature is too low, the computer will instruct the fuel injector to spray more fuel. 2. Lower thermal efficiency: In winter, the engine needs to maintain warmth rather than dissipate heat. Due to the influence of flowing air, it is harder to keep the engine temperature around 80°C, which increases fuel injection and alters the ignition timing to maintain temperature. 3. Reduced battery efficiency: Winter days are shorter and nights longer, resulting in more time with headlights on compared to summer. Moreover, the lower temperatures in winter slow down the chemical reactions in the electrolyte, making the battery more prone to losing charge. Starting the engine requires more fuel to convert into electrical energy to charge the battery, which is also a contributing factor to increased fuel consumption.
