As a car owner, you might’ve noticed that your car is using more fuel in the winter. This is a very common issue people deal with - which makes them spend extra money on fuel. Next thing you know, your car starts driving slower, and it's hard to make it work properly. 

You must know there are many factors that lead to increased fuel consumption in winter. In this blog, we’ll explore the different reasons that your car’s fuel economy is decreasing in winter and some useful tips on how you can improve it. 

So, if you’re looking for ways to save money and get the most out of your car this winter - read more here: 

Why Does Your Car Use More Fuel In Winters? 

It’s alarming when you see the percentage of drop your gas mileage can have in winter. It’s roughly more than 10% and more - depending on how far the temperature drops. Even taking small 4-mile trips gets hard. The reasons your car uses more fuel in the winter are: 

• DIFFERENT FUEL: As winter approaches, many people think about whether their car runs better on winter fuel or not. Many gas stations start using winter-blend fuel for your car fuel tank. This is used because it helps your car perform better in the winter months. However, the ethanol content it has reduces fuel economy greatly.
  

• COLD WEATHER: Your car needs to warm up before you hit the road. Your engine takes a longer time to warm up in winter and causes aerodynamic drag while driving. This is because cold air keeps hitting your car’s body which prevents your car from driving smoothly.
  

• WORKING WITH OTHER SYSTEMS: Due to the cold, you may need to use your car’s heater, windshield wipers, defroster, etc. more often than not. Just like using the A.C. in summer months, using all these other car systems causes loss of fuel in winter too.
  

• SNOW ON THE ROAD: When you drive your car in winter, your car’s traction is difficult to maintain because of the snow and ice on the road. This increases the rolling resistance of your car and causes excessive fuel to be used because of the power your car exerts while driving.
  

Understanding the reasons mentioned above can help your car use less fuel in winter - which helps to maintain fuel economy. You can also get a block heater to warm up your engine, reduce the usage of extra car applications and, drive slower and carefully on roads with snow and ice. 

Ways To Improve Fuel Economy In Winter 

These are the ways in which you can get better fuel economy for your car:

• DRIVE EFFICIENTLY: Drive your car after 40 seconds of warming up rather than waiting for minutes on end. A perfectly healthy car doesn’t need more than a few seconds to warm up. Don’t let it idle and warm up for too long.
  
• MAINTAIN PRESSURE IN TIRES: Whether you use winter tires or all-season tires - it’s important to inflate these tires adequately and keep them at the right levels. Pay attention to the kind of tires you have and their PSI levels to maintain them properly.
  
• MAINTAIN CONSISTENT SPEED: Don’t drive abruptly for short distances - and then quickly halt for longer distances, or vice versa. Maintaining the speed at which your car usually drives is incredibly helpful for improving fuel economy.
  
• DON’T LOSE TRACTION: When you drive in snow, it's very likely that you’re car is going to have traction issues. The best way to maintain the traction control feature in your car is to drive slowly, prevent using brakes abruptly, avoid uneven roads, etc. 

These ways are sure to help your car use less fuel in winter. Following these steps consistently can help you significantly increase your fuel economy and make your car’s workability better in the winter months.  

Conclusion

Your car uses more fuel in winter because your car engine needs to heat up more than usual, requires more power to drive through snow and ice, and there is excessive use of other car applications such as heaters, wipers, etc. 

The cold weather makes it harder for your car to function properly - if you don’t maintain and fix its issues soon. For instance, harsh cold weather can lead to engine stalling because the carburetor can have an imbalance of air and fuel in it. 

If your engine has issues, it's best to get a replacement engine. But wait, not expensive ones. We have the most budget-friendly & high-quality used engines & transmission systems for you - they are 100% ASE Certified & Warranty is available on every system you buy. Contact for more info: 1800-518-9776