Snow, rain and cold weather in winter deteriorate the roads, making driving difficult. In addition, the cold weather, which makes it difficult for motorists, also severely damages the pockets of the drivers. cold weather increases the fuel consumption of cars even more.

According to the tests carried out, in the winter months fuel efficiency -5 degrees to 20 degrees approx. 10% more drop. In addition, tests show that when driving under a certain kilometer, fuel consumption increases by 20% if the temperature is below 0.

According to experts, this situation, which occurs even in the least burning cars, is quite normal.

Because in the winter months the weather becomes even more intense with the falling temperatures. While the cars move forward gotta push the heavy air stay. At the same time, cars consume extra energy to drive on deteriorating roads. As a result, fuel consumption increases even more.

However, the cold air itself is not the only thing that affects fuel consumption. Although the biggest factor is cold weather Multiple factors on cars due to cold weather combination affects fuel economy.

So what are these factors caused by cold weather?

Fuel consumption increases as the engine warms up late

In cars, just like in people, a certain heat level there is. good the motor is more efficient at a certain temperature way it works. In the winter months, however, warming up the car engine takes longer.

Slightly above normal idle speed to warm up the engine. run at higher speed. This increases fuel consumption.

Cold weather lowers tire pressure

Even a 10-degree change in air temperature causes tire pressure to drop by an average of 1 PSI. This too affects the way the tires turn.

so tired rolling resistance Fuel economy is adversely affected in winter as temperatures rise and warm-up time increases.

Frequent use of heating and lighting elements is another factor that affects fuel consumption.

As you know, in winter the days are short and the nights are long. That’s why your car headlights, interior lighting is used more often. Also because it’s cold heating, seat heating Heating elements such as:

Mainly engine temperature heating system It extends the engine warm-up time. Lighting System also from batteryof the electrical system it gains power. This has consequences for the engine power and therefore for the fuel.

Oil in the vehicle thickens, increasing friction

Decrease in air temperature in winter thickening of engine oil and transmission oil or cause a decrease in fluidity. This makes it more difficult for the engine oil to circulate in the engine. At the same time, the friction of the transmission system with the moving parts increases. This consumes more fuel.

All the factors we wrote in themselves they are not noticeable, do not cause major changes. But combined, cars use 10% or 20% more fuel in the winter than in the warmer months.

In addition to all these factors, the lack of maintenance of the vehicle is the main factor that increases fuel consumption.

Regardless of the weather conditions, between the mileage recommended by the vehicle manufacturer regular maintenance has to be done. ‘So what should be done to avoid an increase in fuel consumption during the winter months?‘, we give a few simple tips for our readers.

• When you start your car for the first time, store your car in a locked garage to keep the temperature constant and prevent it from idling at high speed. In this way the load on the battery is reduced, the engine oil remains liquid and your car warms up normally.
• Avoid idling your car for too long to defrost frozen windows and warm up the interior. You can use an ice scraper or defroster instead.
• Using winter tires and keeping your tire pressure at the recommended PSI will prevent your fuel consumption from increasing.
• Using high-quality motor oil suitable for your vehicle will also prevent excessive fuel consumption.

We talked about the factors that increase fuel consumption in winter and how to avoid them. You can access our other fuel economy content below.

10 tips to save almost half your fuel, regardless of the weather

Our content where we tried all fuel saving methods