How Much Higher is Car Fuel Consumption in Summer Compared to Winter?

[OliveAnn]

Winter and summer fuel consumption differences are not very significant, typically winter fuel consumption is about one liter higher than in summer. Here are some methods to reduce fuel consumption: 1. Check the air conditioning system in summer: Air conditioning malfunctions are a major cause of high fuel consumption. Poor cooling performance can lead to increased fan speed and lower temperature settings to achieve a cooling effect. 2. Frequent hard braking: Frequent hard braking is a primary reason for persistently high car fuel consumption. While ensuring safe vehicle operation, make full use of the vehicle's inertia. 3. Avoid excessive air conditioning use in small-displacement vehicles: For vehicles exposed to the sun, it's not advisable to turn on the air conditioning immediately upon entering. First, open the windows and set the fan to a higher setting without turning on the air conditioning to expel the hot air inside. Wait until the vehicle has cooled down moderately before turning on the air conditioning.

[RonanLee]

My car consumes significantly more fuel when the AC is on during summer. Last year, I tracked the data myself and found that the average fuel consumption in summer was 8% to 12% higher than in winter, especially during long-distance drives or city traffic jams. The AC compressor is the main culprit—it draws power from the engine and guzzles fuel. In winter, while preheating does consume some extra fuel, the increase is less noticeable, usually around 5%. I recommend checking tire pressure and the AC system, as underinflated tires or an aging AC system can widen the difference to 15%. Regular maintenance helps save a lot of money—burning an extra half-liter of fuel per 100 km in summer is painful enough, and the extra cost for daily commutes adds up to tens of dollars.

[Margaret]

In summer, when the air conditioning is turned on while driving, fuel consumption increases. From my personal observation, it generally rises by about 10%. My old car consumed 12% more fuel when using the AC on hot days, while in winter, it was less due to the absence of preheating pressure. Contributing factors include the load from the AC compressor and reduced engine efficiency caused by high temperatures—for example, when the AC kicks in, the fuel tank instantly turns into a funnel. I've tried reducing AC usage and switching to recirculation mode, which managed to bring the difference down to 8%. It's recommended to regularly clean the air filter and ensure good heat dissipation, a trick particularly effective for small cars. Keeping fuel consumption fluctuations within a reasonable range helps avoid panic.

[MacArabella]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I find that fuel consumption is slightly higher in summer, averaging 5-10% more. Using the air conditioning is a key factor—it consumes about 15% of the car's power on hot days. In winter, the car warms up faster, and the heater uses less fuel, with a common difference of around 8%. The impact varies significantly by vehicle type, with SUVs showing a greater difference than smaller cars, up to 12%. I pay attention to maintaining my car's condition, such as keeping the engine oil clean and the coolant at proper levels, which can help reduce the difference. Using open windows for ventilation instead of the air conditioner can also save fuel, but avoid driving too fast as it increases wind resistance.