Does a car consume more fuel in winter?

[Roxanne]

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.

[MacOlive]

I've been driving for over twenty years, and indeed, fuel consumption is higher in winter, mainly because the engine is harder to start in cold weather and requires more warm-up time to function properly. The cold air thickens the lubricating oil, increasing friction and resistance, so the engine has to burn more fuel to overcome it. Also, turning on the heater, which relies on the engine's heat to warm up, adds to the load, naturally increasing fuel consumption. Short trips are more frequent too; the car just warms up when you reach your destination, burning fuel quickly. I often encountered this situation when I was younger, but now I've learned better—warming up the car for a minute or two before driving and keeping the tire pressure adequate can save some fuel costs and is also good for the car. Anyway, when driving in winter, pay attention to these points; don't just focus on staying warm.

[VonGarrett]

As an ordinary housewife commuting by car in winter, the noticeably higher fuel consumption is quite evident. It might be related to the low temperature—thicker lubricant makes the engine work harder, and turning on the heater only adds to the problem. My car’s monthly fuel expenses have gone up significantly, making it feel like money is literally burning on the road. However, I know some fuel-saving tips, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration right after starting the car, warming it up gradually, and reducing the fan speed of the air conditioning. Regular maintenance also helps, like changing the engine oil and reducing unnecessary load. Over time, these habits can ease high fuel consumption, making the wallet much happier.

[SadieFitz]

Here's the thing: car fuel consumption is generally higher in winter. Simply put, cold weather means the engine requires more fuel to heat up to operating temperature during cold starts, lubricating oil viscosity increases causing more friction, and the heating system consumes engine heat adding to the load. These factors combined lead to faster fuel consumption. Short trips are especially noticeable since the engine stops before fully warming up, resulting in lower efficiency. It's recommended to control the warm-up time reasonably—neither too long nor too short.