Why does car fuel consumption increase in summer?

[Millie]

Because both over-inflated and under-inflated tires alter the friction coefficient between the tires and the road surface, requiring the car to deliver more power to maintain normal performance. Here are some suggestions to improve fuel economy: 1. Avoid prolonged idling or low-speed driving: Avoiding extended periods of idling and low-speed driving is crucial for reducing fuel consumption. 2. Avoid excessive vehicle load and a full fuel tank: The more weight the vehicle carries, the higher the fuel consumption during driving. 3. Avoid using high-viscosity engine oil: Under the same environmental conditions, using engine oils with different viscosities will result in varying fuel consumption. 4. Use the accelerator to control speed rather than the brake: When driving, avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking.

[VonKevin]

This problem reminds me of the confusion I had when I first started driving. As soon as summer arrives, the air conditioning has to be turned on full blast, but the compressor needs the engine to drive it, which is equivalent to having an extra small motor working on the car, and the fuel gauge drops rapidly. Another point that is easily overlooked: when the weather is hot, the air density is low, and the intake air volume decreases, so the car's computer has to inject more fuel to maintain power. And then there are the tires—I did a test last year, and at 30 degrees Celsius, the tire pressure was about 15% higher than in winter, which increases rolling resistance and is particularly fuel-consuming. Now I've developed a habit: at the start of summer, I adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended value, and I don't set the air conditioning temperature too low, which basically saves me 10-20% on fuel.

[VanJohnny]

A few days ago in the workshop, I heard an experienced mechanic say that when summer temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature in the engine compartment can exceed 80 degrees. Under such conditions, fuel is particularly prone to vaporizing in the fuel lines, forming vapor lock, which destabilizes the fuel injection pressure and leads to decreased combustion efficiency. Additionally, the air conditioning compressor draws about 15% of the engine's power, so it's normal for fuel consumption to increase under these dual effects. From my personal experience, refueling in the early morning or evening is more cost-effective because gasoline evaporates faster in high temperatures, and the actual amount that reaches the tank during midday refueling decreases. Regularly cleaning dust from the engine compartment is also very effective—better heat dissipation means less need for air conditioning.

[OKevin]

As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, the most headache-inducing issue during July and August is fuel consumption. High temperatures cause engine oil viscosity to drop, reducing lubrication effectiveness and making the engine work harder. What's even more annoying is that during traffic jams, keeping the air conditioning on continuously doubles fuel consumption. It's recommended to use a sunshade car cover, which can lower the cabin temperature by about 20 degrees compared to parking in the open. Before setting off, ventilate the car first before turning on the air conditioning, and there's no need to set the temperature too low. Here's another little trick: when entering a service area for a break, I turn off the air conditioning one kilometer in advance and use the fan to maintain cool air. This not only protects the compressor but also saves fuel.

[DelJanelle]

Although modern cars are technologically advanced, fuel consumption in summer remains a persistent issue. High temperatures affect gasoline atomization, reducing the energy output from the same amount of fuel. The moment the air conditioning compressor kicks in, fuel consumption spikes noticeably, especially during short trips. A tip: switch to recirculation mode at traffic lights to save up to 30% on AC energy usage. Recently, I replaced my old car's intake pipe with a high-flow air filter and unexpectedly observed a 5% drop in summer fuel consumption. Also, don't forget to check the radiator fan—poor cooling can force the engine to operate under continuous high load.