Is it normal for fuel consumption to increase in winter?

[VonAaliyah]

It is normal for a car's fuel consumption to be slightly higher in winter. The reasons for increased fuel consumption in winter are as follows: Preheating the car is necessary in cold weather: The drop in temperature leading to increased fuel consumption is a normal phenomenon due to weather factors. After all, in cold weather, preheating the car and using the heater will increase fuel consumption, and an increase of around 1 liter is considered normal. If the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers increases significantly, it is an abnormal situation. Long periods of high-speed driving: To reduce fuel consumption, avoid long periods of high-speed driving. Every car has an economical speed range, and driving at high speeds increases air resistance, thereby increasing fuel consumption.

[OJasmine]

I notice higher fuel consumption when driving every winter compared to summer, which is indeed quite common, and I've personally experienced it myself. Low temperatures require the engine to take longer to warm up after starting, during which time combustion efficiency is lower, consuming more gasoline. Using the heater also puts additional load on the engine. Additionally, tire pressure tends to drop due to colder temperatures in winter, increasing rolling resistance. This phenomenon is more noticeable during short trips, so I often remind myself to combine errands to reduce the number of cold starts. Regularly checking tire pressure and oil viscosity can help alleviate this issue slightly, but overall, it's a normal seasonal variation—nothing to worry too much about.

[FrankLee]

From my experience, increased fuel consumption in winter is quite normal for most vehicles and there's no need for excessive concern. The main reasons include decreased engine thermal efficiency in low temperatures, increased friction due to higher viscosity of lubricating oil; higher air density in cold weather leading to increased aerodynamic drag. Reduced battery efficiency increases alternator workload, indirectly raising fuel consumption. Additionally, antifreeze needs to maintain temperature, consuming extra energy. As long as the vehicle is properly maintained, these changes are manageable. It's recommended to monitor tire pressure and adjust accordingly, and check battery condition before winter.

[LaCharles]

I think it's quite normal for fuel consumption to increase in winter, as there are physical principles behind it. Cold air is denser, increasing forward resistance; engine oil thickens at low temperatures, raising the engine's movement resistance; the engine requires additional fuel to maintain operating temperature, leading to decreased combustion efficiency. All these factors slightly increase fuel consumption, so as long as basic vehicle conditions are maintained, it's fine.