Why Does Car Fuel Consumption Increase in Winter?
2 Answers
Here is an analysis of the reasons for higher car fuel consumption in winter: 1. Due to lower temperatures: In winter, the low temperatures cause the engine to maintain higher RPMs after a cold start. If the driving distance is short, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature before reaching the destination. Repeatedly keeping the engine at high RPMs can lead to increased fuel consumption. 2. Operational issues: If the heater is not turned off before shutting down the car the previous day, the heater will start along with the engine the next day, causing a loss of some engine heat. Sometimes, turning on the AC (compressor) at the same time adds extra load to the engine. Prolonged idling to warm up the engine not only increases fuel consumption but also leads to more carbon deposits in the engine.
I've only been driving for a little over two years, but I've noticed that gasoline consumption increases significantly in winter, especially during my daily commute last winter. When temperatures drop, the engine burns more fuel during cold starts to warm up—normally taking just tens of seconds, but in winter, it might take one or two minutes, all while consuming extra fuel. Using the heater for warmth or defrosting also demands more energy, forcing the engine to work harder to compensate. Additionally, tire pressure drops due to cold air contraction, increasing friction and making the car harder to drive. Short trips are particularly bad—my commute is only a few kilometers, so the engine barely warms up before cooling down again, wasting fuel on repeated reheating. A friend suggested regularly checking tire pressure to maintain optimal levels, warming up the car for 2-3 minutes before driving, combining trips to reduce short-distance driving, and avoiding excessive heater use. These small adjustments can save a lot on fuel costs and be more environmentally friendly.
