Why Does Car Fuel Consumption Increase in Winter?

[McCharlie]

Winter fuel consumption increases due to incorrect use of heating, improper warm-up methods, and reduced engine thermal efficiency. Here are the specific reasons: Incorrect use of heating: In winter, temperatures are lower, and the engine takes longer to "warm up." If you turn on the heating immediately after starting the car, the engine will "reluctantly" share part of the heat that was originally meant to maintain its normal operation. To reach the optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible, the engine has to increase fuel injection, leading to higher fuel consumption. Improper warm-up methods: Prolonged idling to "warm up" the car is highly discouraged. The correct approach is to start the vehicle and let it idle for about 30 seconds; then drive at low speed, keeping the RPM below 1500; after 2 to 3 minutes of driving, when the coolant temperature gauge reaches around 40-50 degrees, you can drive normally. Reduced engine thermal efficiency: When driving in extremely cold winter conditions, the engine diverts some of its power to heating to maintain normal coolant temperature. For example, out of 1L of gasoline consumed, 0.3L might have been converted into power. In winter, the engine will use part of that 0.3L to "keep itself warm" to ensure normal operation.

[DelMaggie]

In winter, I always feel that my car consumes significantly more fuel than in summer. This is mainly because the engine takes longer to warm up in low temperatures, and combustion efficiency decreases during cold starts, making higher fuel consumption normal. Additionally, frequent use of the heater increases engine load, leading to higher fuel consumption. Tire pressure drops due to lower temperatures, increasing friction with the road and rolling resistance, which naturally consumes more fuel. On snowy roads, driving speed is slower, and the engine operates inefficiently for extended periods, further increasing fuel consumption. My personal advice is to develop the habit of regularly checking tire pressure, avoid excessively long warm-up times, and maintain a steady driving speed. These small measures can effectively reduce fuel consumption. I've tried them, and they work well, especially for older cars.

[MackenzieRose]

I've only been driving for a few years, and I've noticed that the fuel tank empties particularly quickly in winter. The main reason is that the car requires more energy to warm up the engine when starting, leading to higher initial fuel consumption. Using the heater is very common, and when the air conditioning compressor kicks in, the engine has to work extra hard, causing a significant increase in fuel consumption. Tire pressure also decreases due to cold contraction, increasing driving resistance and naturally raising fuel consumption. In terms of driving habits, driving slowly in snowy conditions means the engine runs at higher RPMs but with lower efficiency, burning more fuel. I've summarized that simple solutions include checking tire pressure weekly and avoiding sudden acceleration. Paying attention to these details regularly can save a lot on fuel costs, which is especially practical for beginners.

[JuliannaMarie]

Concerned about fuel consumption is my interest. In winter, vehicle fuel consumption is high due to low engine oil temperature leading to incomplete combustion, insufficient lubrication increasing internal friction, and affecting efficiency. Frequent use of air conditioning and heating increases engine load, naturally consuming more fuel. Reduced tire pressure increases friction resistance, which is also a common reason. Poor road conditions in snowy weather increase driving resistance, leading to higher engine fuel consumption. It is recommended to warm up the engine for no more than half a minute, then drive slowly to warm up the vehicle, and maintain appropriate tire pressure, which can improve the situation significantly.